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DeSoto Adventurer I 2-Door Hardtop 6.3 V8 (305 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 2-Door Hardtop Overview:
DeSoto Adventurer (I 2-Door Hardtop). With 556 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1801 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. 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 (305 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A robust and capable V8, providing strong, smooth power delivery suitable for comfortable long-distance travel, though not as potent as the top variant.
Fuel Economy
Typical for its era, this V8 demands frequent stops at the pump, reflecting the lower fuel efficiency standards of the late 1950s.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and distinctive late 1950s styling
- • Powerful V8 engines for its era, offering strong acceleration
- • Spacious and comfortable interior, ideal for cruising
- • Smooth-shifting TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Rarity and collector appeal
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features (e.g., airbags, ABS)
- • Challenging handling and braking compared to contemporary vehicles
- • High maintenance requirements typical of classic cars
- • Limited availability of specialized parts
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Convertible (facelift 1959): 1958 - 1959).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Adventurer |
| Generation: | I 2-Door Hardtop |
| Modification (Engine): | 6.3 V8 (305 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1959 |
| End of production: | 1960 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 305 Hp @ 4600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 48.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 556 Nm @ 2400 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: | 16.1 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 107.95 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.9 kg/Hp, 169.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.2 kg/Nm, 308.7 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1801 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 966 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 12.4° |
| Length: | 5512 mm mm [104mm less] |
| Width: | 2017 mm mm [18mm more] |
| Height: | 1392 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 3099 mm mm [101mm less] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 881 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1532 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 132 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 14.3 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 15.6° |
| Departure angle: | 10.4° |
| 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, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 279 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!