American automobile manufacturer Chrysler Corporation offered the DeSoto marque(named for Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto) from 1928 to 1961. It served as their mid-price line and boasted a 100 hp engine displacing 228 cubic inches.
This limited-production Sportsman Sedan was introduced midway through the model year in March, 1941. It was offered in only three two-tone colors: Gunmetal Gray over Bimini Blue, Amphibian Green over Garland Green, and two-tone gray. All the cars were adorned with matching two-tone Bedford Cord interiors with chrome strips on the door panels. Other features that year: chrome speedlines added to the fenders, chrome strips on the hood, a matching-color steering wheel, whitewall tires and a mahogany grain instrument panel. 1940 was the first year for sealed beam headlights.
This amazing find includes all the documentation since it was new as well as its entire history. It has had only three owners, first purchased new in Madison, Wisconsin. As testament to the care and devotion of its owner, this beauty stayed in the same hands for 44 years and was never driven in the winter.
The original owner left the car to his nephew, who rarely drove it and kept it parked in his heated and climate-controlled upholstery shop. The nephew then sold this Sportsman to its current owner in 2009.
It has been beautifully maintained and totally in original condition except for a repaint on part of the rear deck lid. The only issues we see are that the shift knob is cracked, and the driver’s armrest on the door shows wear. There are also a few areas on the fenders that show some wear. B.F. Goodrich tires all match with good tread but show signs of wear. All these are simply proof that this rare 1940 sedan has been both cherished and enjoyed.
Otherwise, this rare find is original in every way.
Options include a 2-speed heater and radio and factory overdrive. All of the chrome, paint and interior are original as well. The engine boasts 100 hp with a 228 cu inch, 6-cylinder flathead. The original spare tire is still in the trunk, and all the lights and gauges work as they should.
The current owner has taken great care of this legacy, cleaning and sealing the gas tank, rebuilding the carburetor and replacing the brakes, as well as other mechanical needs. It has only 47,261 original miles, 4,500 driven in the past nine years. There is not rust whatsoever on the body or frame.
Even more appealing: A very rare, totally original timepiece, it is one of only two known to exist, according to the DeSoto registry.
