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DeSoto Custom II Sportsman 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 Sportsman Coupe Overview:
DeSoto Custom (II Sportsman Coupe). With 282 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.
4.1 (116 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 4.1L inline-six delivered a respectable 116 Hp, providing adequate power for comfortable cruising and highway travel in its time. Paired with the innovative Tip-Toe Shift automatic, it offered smooth, if not rapid, acceleration.
Fuel Economy
As a large American car from the early 1950s, fuel economy was not a primary concern. The carbureted 4.1L engine would have offered modest efficiency by modern standards, typical for its class and era.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Classic American styling and chrome accents
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for six occupants
- • Smooth operation of the Tip-Toe Shift automatic transmission
- • Robust and reliable inline-six engine for its time
- • Distinctive DeSoto brand heritage
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features (e.g., seatbelts, airbags, ABS)
- • Soft suspension and vague steering limit dynamic handling
- • Drum brakes offer limited stopping power compared to modern systems
- • Challenging to find parts and specialized mechanics today
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sportsman Coupe (Second Series): 1950 - December, 1950).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Custom |
| Generation: | II Sportsman 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: | 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 |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 210 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 |
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