DeSoto Custom

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The DeSoto Custom was an automobile produced by the Chrysler Corporation and sold under its DeSoto automotive brand from 1946 through the 1952 model year. While in production, the Custom was DeSoto’s top-trim level car, and was offered in a full array of body styles, including the extended wheelbase Suburban sedans.

Customs shared their engine design with the Deluxe, and were powered by Chrysler's L-head 236.7 six cylinder engine, delivering 109 bhp at 3,600 RPM.

Custom's produced during the 1946, 1947, 1948 and first half of the 1949 model years used DeSoto's prewar bodies. A fully redesigned DeSoto bowed in the second half of season, and these cars are referred to as “1949 Second Series” models.

In 1950, the custom range gained, DeSoto's first consumer designed station wagon. The Custom also received DeSoto's first hardtop coup, which featured pillarless door design and trimmed to convertible standards.

Custom' were unseated as DeSoto's premium model range with the introduction of the V8 powered 1952 Firedome model range of cars. DeSoto terminated both the Deluxe and Custom model names in 1953, with the DeSoto Powermaster line assuming their place as DeSoto's 6-Cylinder model range.

[edit] References

• Gunnell, John, Editor (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Kraus Publications. ISBN 0-87341-096-3. 

DeSoto
1928-1960 Historic:
Adventurer | Airflow | Airstream | Custom | DeSoto (1961) | Diplomat (export) | Deluxe | Firedome | Fireflite | Firesweep | Powermaster | Series K - SA | SC - SD | DeSoto Series S1 – S10 | DeSoto Suburban
A product of the Chrysler Corporation