Walter P. Chrysler, in his search for a mid-priced automobile to add to the Chrysler brand offerings, founded DeSoto just four days after Chrysler’s purchase of Dodge Brothers in May 1928. Named for Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, the first documented European to cross the Mississippi River, the introduction of DeSoto gave Chrysler a vehicle to compete with mid-priced brands such as Oldsmobile, Buick, Studebaker and Hudson.
Debuting in the 1929 model year, DeSoto was initially greeted with enthusiasm by the public setting a first-year sales record of 81,065 units that would stand for three decades until the introduction of the 1960 Ford Falcon. Sharing major body stampings with the Plymouth brand led many at the time to ask if the DeSoto was actually a six-cylinder Plymouth or the Plymouth a four-cylinder DeSoto. The two-brand strategy was initially successful with DeSoto carrying a lower price point that Dodge despite having a larger, more powerful engine.
DeSoto continued to be a part of the Chrysler Corporation until the 1961 model year. Rumors of the brand’s demise had been swirling through the industry for some time but were confirmed in November 1960 just 47 days into the model year. With a large parts inventory, production was immediately ramped up and the final DeSoto rolled off the assembly line on Nov. 30, 1960.
The 1931 DeSoto was actually late entering production, as the 1930 models continued to be manufactured through November of 1930. The new 1931 DeSoto models began arriving in dealer showrooms in January 1931 with some major changes both cosmetically and mechanically. A redesigned body designated the SA Series had a longer good and lower overall height than its predecessor while retaining the 109-inch wheelbase chassis. A new 205 cubic inch engine displacing 67 horsepower was introduced in the SA Series. There were multiple transmissions used in the 1931 SA Series, including one offering a “free-wheeling” option that became standard late in the production run. It was also in the 1931 model year that Goodyear became the official tire of Chrysler Corporation.
Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this 1931 DeSoto rumbleseat roadster for sale. Appointed in an attractive red livery and red interior, this appears to be an early to mid-year vehicle due to the three-speed transmission lacking the free-wheeling option. It is, however, equipped with the optional overdrive. The vehicle has been in the present owner’s portfolio for almost nine years and been stored in a humidity-controlled environment during his ownership. This is an older high-quality restoration that presents very well and would be a valued asset to any investor/collector.
We have priced this vehicle at $59,000 USD. It is very rare to find this model for sale as less than 2,000 were manufactured in the 1931 model year, so don't delay. Evergreen Digital Showroom is available to assist with transportation of this vehicle at the buyer’s expense. We welcome offers on all the vehicles we represent. For additional information or to discuss this vehicle, please call sales manager Steve Russell at 417-532-8000.
For a complete listing of all the vehicles Evergreen Digital Showroom has for sale, please visit our website at www.evergreendigitalshowroom.com.
