DeSoto Adventurer II Club Coupe 5.7 V8 (345 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 Club Coupe Overview:
DeSoto Adventurer (II Club Coupe). With 481 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.
5.7 V8 (345 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.7L V8 (S26) delivered exceptional performance for its era, with 345 Hp and 481 Nm of torque providing strong acceleration and effortless cruising, perfectly matched with the smooth TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a priority for this large V8. Expect very high fuel consumption, typical of powerful American luxury cars from the mid-1950s, making it expensive to run by modern standards.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

4.6 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 5 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional V8 power and performance for its era
- • Striking and iconic 1950s American styling
- • Smooth TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for six
- • Strong collector appeal and historical significance
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Handling and braking are typical of 1950s large cars (less precise)
- • Limited availability of parts for restoration
- • High maintenance costs for a classic vehicle
- • Lack of modern safety features
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Coupe: 1955 - 1956).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Adventurer |
| Generation: | II Club Coupe |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.7 V8 (345 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1956 |
| End of production: | 1957 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 345 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 61 Hp/l [2mm more] |
| Torque: | 481 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S26 More details about the engine S26 |
| Engine displacement: | 5654 |
| 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: | 19.9 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96.52 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 96.52 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.25:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5613 mm mm [2mm more] |
| Width: | 1986 mm mm [3mm less] |
| Height: | 1397 mm mm [76mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.1 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 |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |











Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the DeSoto Adventurer rank in your book?