DeSoto Custom

The DeSoto Custom is an automobile produced by DeSoto from 1939 until the 1952 model year. While in production, the Custom was DeSoto's top-trim level car, and was offered in a wide array of body styles, including a 7-passenger sedan[2] and the extended-wheelbase Suburban sedans.

DeSoto Custom
1949 DeSoto Custom 4-Door Sedan
Overview
Manufacturer	DeSoto (Chrysler)
Also called	DeSoto Deluxe
Model years	1939-1952
Assembly	Los Angeles (Maywood) Assembly, City of Commerce, CA Jefferson Avenue Assembly, Detroit, MI
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Related	Chrysler Saratoga Chrysler Newport Dodge Custom Dodge Coronet
Powertrain
Engine	236.7 cu in (3.9 L) L-head 109 hp(1946),[1] 112hp(1949),[2] I6(1946-1950), 250.5 cu in (4.1 L) L-head 116 hp I6(1951-1952)[2]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	121.5 in (3,086 mm) (1946-1949);[1] 125.5 in (3,188 mm) (1950-1952)
Chronology
Predecessor	DeSoto Airflow DeSoto Airstream
Successor	DeSoto Firedome

The Custom shared its 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.

Custom models, along with Deluxe models, produced during the 1946, 1947, 1948 and first half of the 1949 model years used DeSoto's prewar bodies. A fully redesigned Custom was launched in the second half of 1949, along with a redesigned Deluxe, 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. Standard equipment included two-speed electric windshield wipers, a trunk light and full carpeting.[2]

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 in DeSoto's 6-cylinder model range.

References

1. "Directory Index: DeSoto/1946_DeSoto/1946_DeSoto_Advance_Information_Folder". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
2. Flory, Jr., J. "Kelly" (2008). American Cars, 1946-1959 Every Model Every Year. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7864-3229-5.

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