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DeSoto Adventurer II Coupe (facelift 1959) 6.3 V8 (350 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 Coupe (facelift 1959) Overview:
DeSoto Adventurer (II Coupe (facelift 1959)). With 576 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1925 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 (350 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 6.3L V8 engine delivered exceptional power for its time, providing strong acceleration and effortless highway cruising. Paired with the smooth TorqueFlite automatic, it offered a refined yet potent driving experience characteristic of American luxury performance cars of the late 1950s.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a priority for large American V8s of this era. Expect very high fuel consumption, especially by modern standards, making it an expensive car to run in terms of fuel.
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:
- • Iconic 'Forward Look' styling and distinctive design
- • Powerful 6.3L V8 engine offering strong performance for its era
- • Spacious and comfortable interior, ideal for long-distance cruising
- • Smooth and reliable TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Significant collector's item with increasing classic car appeal
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids
- • Handling and braking are rudimentary compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Maintenance can be costly due to age and parts availability
- • Large dimensions make it challenging to maneuver and park in urban environments
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Convertible (facelift 1958): 1957 - 1958).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Adventurer |
| Generation: | II Coupe (facelift 1959) |
| Modification (Engine): | 6.3 V8 (350 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1958 |
| End of production: | 1959 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 350 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 55.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 576 Nm @ 3600 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: | 15.1 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 107.95 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.1:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.5 kg/Hp, 181.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.3 kg/Nm, 299.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1925 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 10.4° |
| Length: | 5616 mm mm [64mm more] |
| Width: | 1999 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Height: | 1397 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 889 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1527 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 142 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 15.2 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 15° |
| Departure angle: | 11° |
| 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 torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
What’s the best feature of the DeSoto Adventurer? Tell us in the comments!