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DeSoto Adventurer II 4-Door HardTop 5.9 V8 (265 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)
II 4-Door HardTop Overview:
DeSoto Adventurer (II 4-Door HardTop). With 515 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
5.9 V8 (265 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Paired with the robust 5.9L V8, the TorqueFlite automatic transmission offered exceptionally smooth and reliable shifts, making for a refined driving experience typical of a luxury cruiser.
Fuel Economy
While the TorqueFlite was efficient for its time, the overall fuel economy remained poor due to the large V8 engine, a common trait for vehicles of this class and era.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
5 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 3 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive and iconic 1960s American styling
- • Powerful 5.9L V8 engine for its era
- • Spacious and comfortable interior, ideal for cruising
- • Smooth operation with the TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Strong collector appeal and historical significance
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy due to large V8 engine
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection
- • Handling and braking are not up to modern standards
- • Parts availability can be challenging for restoration
- • High maintenance costs typical of classic vehicles
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I 4-Door Sedan: 1959 - 1960).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Adventurer |
| Generation: | II 4-Door HardTop |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.9 V8 (265 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1960 |
| End of production: | 1961 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 265 Hp @ 4400 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 44.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 515 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 5916 |
| 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: | 104.65 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 929 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 76 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 12.6° |
| Length: | 5476 mm mm [36mm less] |
| Width: | 2017 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1397 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3099 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 884 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1494 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 132 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 14.3 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 16° |
| Departure angle: | 10.5° |
| 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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