Click on image to view the full photo gallery
DeSoto Custom II Convertible Coupe 4.1 (116 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)
II Convertible Coupe Overview:
DeSoto Custom (II Convertible Coupe). With 282 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.
4.1 (116 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 4.1L inline-six engine provided adequate power for comfortable cruising in the 1950s, delivering 116 Hp. Paired with the innovative Tip-Toe Shift automatic transmission, it offered smooth, if not rapid, acceleration suitable for its luxury convertible nature.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a primary concern for vehicles of this era. The large 4.1L carbureted engine, combined with the automatic transmission, would result in relatively low MPG figures by modern standards, typical for a classic American car.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Classic American styling and presence
- • Comfortable ride quality for its era
- • Unique Tip-Toe Shift automatic transmission
- • Spacious interior for six occupants
- • Convertible top offers open-air driving experience
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Limited safety features compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Performance is modest, not built for speed
- • Maintenance can be challenging due to age and parts availability
- • Large dimensions make it less agile in urban environments
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sportsman Coupe (Second Series): 1950 - December, 1950).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Custom |
| Generation: | II Convertible Coupe |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.1 (116 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift |
| Start of production: | 1951 |
| End of production: | 1952 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet, Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 116 Hp @ 3600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 28.3 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 282 Nm @ 1600 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4106 |
| 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: | 14.2 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87.31 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 114.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5290 mm mm [37mm more] |
| Width: | 1908 mm mm [46mm more] |
| Height: | 1660 mm mm [27mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3188 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1512 mm |
| 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, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Driven it? Loved it? Hated it? Share your honest review!