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DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible (facelift 1959) 6.3 V8 (350 Hp) TorqueFlite
Overall Rating
DeSoto Adventurer:
The DeSoto Adventurer is a full-sized automobile that was produced by DeSoto from 1956 through the 1960 model year. Introduced as a four-seat high-performance sports coupe concept car, the Adventurer ended up being DeSoto's special, limited-production, high-performance model, similar to the more luxurious and exclusive "letter series" Chrysler 300 and Chrysler Saratoga.
Initially offered only as a hardtop coupe, the Adventurer was DeSoto's top-trim level car, replacing the Custom. A convertible was added to the model range in 1957, and a four-door hardtop and sedan in its final year of 1960....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Convertible (facelift 1959) Overview:
DeSoto Adventurer (I Convertible (facelift 1959)). With 576 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 2000 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
6.3 V8 (350 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 6.3L (383 cu in) V8 engine delivered exceptional power for its era, providing robust acceleration and effortless highway cruising. The 350 Hp, combined with the smooth TorqueFlite automatic transmission, offered a truly exhilarating and luxurious driving experience.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large displacement V8 from the late 1950s, fuel economy was not a priority and is considerably low by modern standards. Owners should anticipate high fuel consumption, typical of classic American muscle and luxury cars.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
4.6 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 5 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 1950s American styling and presence
- • Powerful 6.3L V8 engine offers strong performance for its time
- • Luxurious and comfortable ride quality, ideal for cruising
- • Relatively rare and highly collectible convertible model
- • Smooth and reliable TorqueFlite automatic transmission
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy due to large V8 engine
- • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids
- • Maintenance can be complex and parts availability challenging
- • Large dimensions make it less practical for city driving and parking
- • High acquisition and running costs for a classic car
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Convertible (facelift 1958): 1957 - 1958).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Adventurer |
| Generation: | I Convertible (facelift 1959) |
| Modification (Engine): | 6.3 V8 (350 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1958 |
| End of production: | 1959 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet, Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 350 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 55.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 576 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 6276 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 15.1 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 107.95 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.1:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.7 kg/Hp, 175 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.5 kg/Nm, 288 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2000 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 10.4° |
| Length: | 5616 mm mm [64mm more] |
| Width: | 1999 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 889 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1527 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 142 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 15.2 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 15° |
| Departure angle: | 11° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | TorqueFlite |
| Front brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Does the DeSoto Adventurer live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!