DeSoto Custom

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1950 DeSoto Custom four-door sedan

The DeSoto Custom is 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 (81 kW) at 3,600 rpm.

Customs 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 coupe, which featured pillarless door design and which was trimmed to convertible standards.

Customs 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.

References

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