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DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible (facelift 1958) 5.9 EFi V8 (355 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 1958) Overview:
DeSoto Adventurer (I Convertible (facelift 1958)). With 542 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
5.9 EFi V8 (355 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This top-tier 5.9L EFi V8 delivered exceptional performance for its time, boasting 355 Hp and 542 Nm of torque. The electronic fuel injection was a cutting-edge feature, providing smoother power delivery and potentially better efficiency than carbureted counterparts.
Fuel Economy
Despite the advanced EFi, fuel economy remains a significant drawback, typical for large American V8s of this period. Expect single-digit MPG figures under most driving conditions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and distinctive styling
- • Powerful V8 engines for the era
- • Smooth TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Spacious and comfortable interior
- • Significant collector's item
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy
- • Lacks modern safety features
- • Large dimensions make it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces
- • Maintenance can be costly for a classic vehicle
- • Limited braking performance by modern standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Convertible: 1956 - 1957).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Adventurer |
| Generation: | I Convertible (facelift 1958) |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.9 EFi V8 (355 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1957 |
| End of production: | 1958 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 355 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 60 Hp/l [61mm less] |
| Torque: | 542 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 5916 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.8 l |
| Coolant: | 16.1 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 104.65 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.25:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5552 mm mm [61mm less] |
| Width: | 1989 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Height: | 1397 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 892 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1461 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 15.1 m [above average] |
| 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 coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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