DeSoto Powermaster Six All-Steel Station Wagon 4.1 (116 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 3.7 / 5
Performance 3.2 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

DeSoto Powermaster Six:

The DeSoto Powermaster was an automobile built by DeSoto during model years 1952 to 1954. The car debuted during DeSoto's 25th anniversary, taking the place of the entry-level DeSoto Deluxe.
The Powermaster was a full-size car, offered in pillared two and four-door sedan and station wagon models, and powered by Chrysler's 251 cu in DeSoto I6 engine. For both of its years in production, the Powermaster was available as an eight-passenger sedan through the use of jump seats, called the DeSoto Suburban. The Powermaster was also built on a longer wheelbase ) than regular six-passenger DeSotos ). A version of the long wheelbase model was used as a basis for the DeSoto Taxi, seen in many Hollywood movies from the late 1930s through the mid-1950s....(Read more on Wikipedia)

All-Steel Station Wagon Overview:

DeSoto Powermaster Six (All-Steel Station Wagon). With 282 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.

4.1 (116 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

This 4.1L inline-six provided adequate power and substantial torque for its time, making it suitable for family hauling and comfortable cruising, though not designed for spirited driving.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy was not a priority for large American cars of this era; expect relatively poor mileage by modern standards, typical for a carbureted 4.1L engine.

Best Use Case: Long-distance family travel and general utility, offering a smooth, torquey ride on period highways.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Classic American styling and presence
  • • Spacious interior ideal for families of the era
  • • Robust and torquey inline-six engine
  • • Historical significance as a post-war family vehicle
  • • Comfortable ride quality for its time

Cons:

  • • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
  • • Lack of modern safety features and crash protection
  • • Dated handling and braking performance
  • • Limited availability of specific parts for restoration
  • • Requires significant maintenance for daily use

Specifications:

General:
Brand:DeSoto
Model:Powermaster Six
Generation:All-Steel Station Wagon
Modification (Engine):4.1 (116 Hp)
Start of production:1952
End of production:1953
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:6
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:116 Hp @ 3600 rpm.
Power per litre:28.3 Hp/l
Torque:282 Nm @ 1600 rpm.
Engine displacement:4106
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Carburettor
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.7 l
Coolant:15.1 l
Cylinder Bore:87.31 mm mm
Piston Stroke:114.3 mm mm
Compression ratio:7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Size:
Length:5404 mm mm
Width:1963 mm mm
Height:1588 mm mm
Wheelbase:3188 mm mm
Front track:1430 mm
Rear (Back) track:1513 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):13 m
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears3
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDrum, 305 mm
Rear brakesDrum, 305 mm
Front suspensionIndependent coil spring
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

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