Vehicle Description
1950 DeSoto Deluxe Carryall
We've gotten used to seeing pickup trucks, sports utility vehicles
and "crossovers" filling the roads today when our ancestors thought
of a truck as a work vehicle and not something everyday families
would own. Yes, there were station wagons but not everyone wanted
to be seen in one. What to do? DeSoto had an option with their
DeSoto Carry-All that offered sedan seating or a fold down the rear
seat for a long load floor through the trunk.
The DeSoto Carry-All Sedan for consignment, was based on their
Custom Four Door Sedan. On the outside they were nearly identical.
But the secret was in the fold down rear seat, not unlike a station
wagon, but in 1949 a wagon was not part of the DeSoto lineup. With
the rear seat down, a flush load floor was created, and 62 cubic
feet of load space opened up. With only 2 examples known to exist
registered in the NDC (National DeSoto Club) this fully restored,
wearing all the original body parts, and engine which was rebuilt
about 1,000 miles ago.
Exterior
With a body by coach builder Kercheval we note straight steel
panels and well minded gaps. An A, B, and C pillar car, it is
draped in Andante Green Metallic paint that presents in excellent
condition. With a massive wonderfully chromed tooth front grille
which is centered by a pristine cloisonne Desoto badge and lower
massive curved bumper on which all surfaces appear to be still wet
with the chrome plating, it is that good! Even the glass bust of
our famed explorer the Mississippi river hood ornament is just
pristine. Also, dueling trim spears one on the front quarter
running half way through the door panels in front, and another
starting on the rear fender just prior to the wheel well and
running to the rear as well as a lower rocker trimming, belt line
trim and split windshield trim and this car is really nice. On back
our puffed-out fenders curve downward to house vertical oval
taillights and a rounded trunk lid. Another "wet" look bumper is on
the bottom. Black sidewall tires with white painted wheels and
large DeSoto moon caps finish off the car on all 4 corners.
Interior
Within the walls of this car is where the secrets lie, and it does
not take too long to discover them. By opening the trunk you'll
notice that it is beautifully lined in northern pine with chromed
mounting strips separating the pine. This is all glossed to the
hilt and mysteriously heads vertically at the front of the trunk.
By opening the rear doors a large armed bench seat is present, but
with some more noodling around, you'll discover that you can fold
this bench down, and continue the rear bed under the trunk lid
hinge panel, and right up to the front bench seat. A hidden gem of
a station wagon, only making its prowess known after you figure out
the seat. All this lacquered wood and chrome is excellent with nary
a mark on it. The front bench has tan with vertical striped
broadcloth and faux leather surrounding bolsters. The dash picks up
on this faux leather look, but it is indeed painted on faux leather
looking metal. Gauges are all buttoned up and looking great and are
all functioning. Door panels are working it as well and appear
nearly new in condition. A white headliner is looking good above
and nice clean brown carpet abounds on the floors.
Drivetrain
Of course, what would one expect but an all original engine with a
clean engine bay. This is a 256ci L-head Inline 6-cylinder which is
original to this car but has been rebuilt less than 1K miles ago.
It is topped by a 1bbl carb and has a Gyro-Matic fluid drive
4-speed semi-automatic transmission attached to the back of the
car.
Undercarriage
Underneath is literally like new with no rust, slight road dirt,
and jet black frame and floorpans. Body hangers have nice supple
rubber washers within them and there is no rust in sight. Drum
brakes are all around, and the fuel tank looks like new, and it may
very be such.
Drive-Ability
One has to love these late 40's early 50's behemoths and this one
is no lost for such love. It cranked a bit but started and ran
smooth. It has nice pickup, and cruises effortlessly. All functions
were on track, as was our handling section of the test drive which
met all our driving expectations without a hitch.
Let's have a station wagon, but hide it? Who knows what thoughts
were running through the minds of builders and consumers back then,
but now we are left with a time piece of history, there are not
many examples that survive. And this condition is really pristine
on every level. Sort of a yesteryear hatchback, this folding down
rear cargo area you could live in, but don't...use it to haul the
goods.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.