Vehicle Description
Under the guidance of their visionary chief designer Virgil Exner,
Chrysler Corporation finally broke free of their staid and
conservative design language of the late 1940s and early 1950s with
the influential new "Forward Look" of 1955. Chrysler began hinting
at its reborn sense of style through a series of dream cars that
were the product of a collaboration between Exner and Ghia's Luigi
"Gigi" Segre. For the planned mid-decade revamp, Exner changed tack
and drew inspiration from the world of aviation, space travel, and
jet propulsion. His new styling theme transformed Chrysler's entire
image and altered the path of car design as a whole for the
remainder of the decade. GM's Chuck Jordan saw leaked secret
previews of Exner's work and raced back to share what he saw with
his bosses, forcing a frantic last-minute redesign of GM's whole
range. The Forward Look thrust Chrysler back into the spotlight and
ushered in the era of chrome, fins, and flamboyant style. In the
post-war era, the DeSoto brand took on the identity of a slightly
sportier sister brand to Chrysler. Their famous Adventurer
nameplate first appeared as a concept car in 1953, and again as the
Adventurer II in 1954. Finally, in 1955, the DeSoto Adventurer
reached production as a flagship specialty car, designed to draw
foot traffic into showrooms and highlight the brand's value and
performance image. Comparable to Chrysler's 300, the Adventurer had
high style, high performance, and a plethora of luxurious options.
Central to the revised Forward Look was the use of dramatic fins,
which Exner believed aided in aerodynamic stability. The first
significant refresh came in 1957, with a completely new body
featuring even larger fins, a quad-headlamp front end, and a
multitude of detail changes. The two-tone paint scheme had a
dramatic color-contrasting sweep on the lower body, along with
distinct gold-anodized wheel covers and unique trim. To match the
glamorous looks, DeSoto fitted the 345 cubic-inch Hemi V8 with a
special dual-quad intake manifold. Paired with a bullet-proof
Torqueflite automatic transmission, the Fire-Flite V8 made 345
horsepower. With its flashy gold trim and finned jet-age bodywork,
the DeSoto Adventurer is an icon of American 1950s design. This
DeSoto Adventurer is one of only 1650 coupes built for the 1957
model year. This lovely example wears an older restoration that has
seen many years of regular care and maintenance in the hands of a
seasoned collector. According to the trim tag, this car is a
genuine Adventurer Sportsman Coupe, correctly finished in original
Surf White with Adventurer Gold roof and lower body sweep. It was
discovered in Wisconsin in the 1980s and comprehensively restored a
few years after being found. It presents in very good condition,
with straight panels and factory-appropriate gaps. Chrome trim and
brightwork are also in good condition, with very good bumpers and
moldings showing some light polish marks from regular care. This
car retains the original gold-anodized wheel covers, unique to the
Adventurer. Because of their delicate nature, most get painted
during restoration, so it is rare to find a set with the anodized
plating intact. The interior presentation is sharp and attractive.
It features factory-correct upholstery, which is specific to the
Adventurer and corresponds with the trim tag. The fawn-gold seats
have white accents and distinct tweed-style fabric inserts. Door
panels match the chairs and feature patterned-alloy inserts that
repeat on the instrument fascia. The carpets, dash top, and other
interior panels are all in fine condition. Period correct
"Flookerang" logo floor mats (the official symbol of The New Look)
protect the carpets. The top-line Adventurer came equipped with a
radio, pushbutton transmission control, and deluxe heater, and this
car adds the optional power-adjustable front seat. Dual four-barrel
carburetors feed the big 345 cubic-inch Hemi V8 and push output to
an even one horsepower per cubic inch. The engine is pleasingly
detailed, with good quality paintwork on the block, air cleaners,
accessories, and the signature gold valve covers. It runs well, and
thanks to the massive torque, propels the big DeSoto down the road
with ease. Power steering and power brakes are standard fitments
for the top-line Adventurer, allowing for effortless cruising
ability. For sheer presence and drama, few cars compare to Virgil
Exner's brilliant, Jet-Age inspired DeSoto Adventurer. Nicely
restored and well sorted, this beautiful example is prime for
cruising the boulevard in style.