DeSoto Custom Sportsman Coupe (Second Series) 3.9 (112 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift


Overall Rating

7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

Sportsman Coupe (Second Series) Overview:

DeSoto Custom (Sportsman Coupe (Second Series)). With 264 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.

3.9 (112 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 3.9L inline-six delivered adequate power for cruising, not spirited driving. The 112 Hp was competitive for its time, providing smooth acceleration suitable for highway travel and comfortable city driving.

Fuel Economy

As a carbureted inline-six from 1950, fuel economy was not a primary design focus. Expect modest MPG figures by modern standards, typical for large American cars of the era.

Best Use Case: Leisurely cruising, long-distance touring, and comfortable daily driving in an era before high-speed interstates were common.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Classic American styling and presence
  • • Comfortable and spacious interior for its time
  • • Smooth operation of the Tip-Toe Shift automatic transmission
  • • Robust inline-six engine design
  • • Historical significance as a mid-century cruiser

Cons:

  • • Poor fuel economy by modern standards
  • • Lack of modern safety features
  • • Performance is leisurely, not sporty
  • • Finding parts and specialized maintenance can be challenging
  • • Large turning circle makes city maneuvering difficult

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Convertible Coupe (Second Series): 1949 - 1950).

General:
Brand:DeSoto
Model:Custom
Generation:Sportsman Coupe (Second Series)
Modification (Engine):3.9 (112 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift
Start of production:1950
End of production:December, 1950
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type: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 [Same length.]
Width:1862 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1687 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:3188 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):13 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeTip-Toe Shift
Front brakesDrum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.]
Front suspensionIndependent coil spring

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