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DeSoto Custom Convertible Coupe (Second Series) 3.9 (112 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift
Overall Rating
DeSoto Custom:
The DeSoto Series S-10 is an automobile produced by DeSoto from 1942 through to the 1952 model year. While in production, the Series S-10, which was sold with the trim package DeLuxe, was DeSoto's entry-level car, and was offered primarily as two-door and four-door sedans while the Custom offered upscale interiors and appearance including a 7-passenger sedan and the extended-wheelbase Suburban sedans. The body was claimed to be "rust proofed".
The DeLuxe differed from the more upmarket Custom line by having less trim, fewer standard features, and plainer interiors in fewer color combinations. A six-tube and an eight-tube radio were optional....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Convertible Coupe (Second Series) Overview:
DeSoto Custom (Convertible Coupe (Second Series)). With 264 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. 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.
3.9 (112 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 3.9L inline-six delivered a respectable 112 Hp and 264 Nm of torque, offering adequate power for comfortable cruising. Paired with the innovative Tip-Toe Shift automatic, it provided a smooth, if not spirited, driving experience typical of post-war American cars.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a primary concern for vehicles of this era. While specific figures are unavailable, expect consumption to be significantly higher than modern vehicles, typical for a large American car of 1949.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic post-war American styling
- • Comfortable and spacious interior for its time
- • Smooth operation of the Tip-Toe Shift automatic transmission
- • Historical significance and classic car appeal
- • Robust and relatively simple flathead-six engine design
Cons:
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection
- • High fuel consumption by contemporary standards
- • Limited performance compared to modern vehicles
- • Parts availability can be challenging for restoration
- • Large turning circle makes city maneuvering difficult
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Brougham: 1946 - 1949).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Custom |
| Generation: | Convertible Coupe (Second Series) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.9 (112 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift |
| Start of production: | 1949 |
| End of production: | 1950 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet, Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 112 Hp @ 3600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 28.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 264 Nm @ 1600 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 3877 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 16.1 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87.3 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 107.95 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5253 mm mm [12mm less] |
| Width: | 1862 mm mm [61mm less] |
| Height: | 1687 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3188 mm mm [102mm more] |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13 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 | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Tip-Toe Shift |
| Front brakes | Drum, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the DeSoto Custom?