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DeSoto Adventurer I 2-Door Hardtop 6.3 V8 (330 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 624 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. 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 (330 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The top-tier engine for the Adventurer, offering exhilarating acceleration and ample power for highway cruising, a true muscle car precursor for its time.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large 1950s V8, fuel economy is a significant drawback, making it a thirsty cruiser by any standard.
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 (330 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1959 |
| End of production: | 1960 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 330 Hp @ 4800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 52.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 624 Nm @ 2800 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) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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