Vehicle Description
1946 DeSoto S-11 Convertible
Named for the Spanish Conqueror/Explorer Hernando DeSoto, this
Chrysler branded offshoot has a hankering to be driven to the out
of the way places America's back roads could take you. The
interstate highway system was not even an idea at this point, so
this is how travelers and explorers would get around. The DeSoto
did so in style and comfort and this model has the added
convenience of a convertible top.
Explore the niches of the North American continent, go for a Sunday
drive, or pick up groceries, in any situation this Desoto is
stunningly De-licious, and is an original car, sporting it's
original paint, (as our consignor states), and a power convertible
top. Lest we forget the miles of beautiful chrome which gleams
against a red painted steel rust free field of Detroit iron.
Floating on wide whites with badged moon caps the 1946 post war
model is virtually the prewar 1942 design sans the hidden
headlights.
Exterior
Emblazoned with a plethora of chrome plated spears as accenting on
the hood, fenders and rear wheel surrounds, and blending nicely
with the vertical ribbed "shaver style" grille this car bleeds
expensive looks. A hood ornament of the "flying lady" leads the way
atop the bulbous hood and is framed way below with a wraparound
massive bumper just below the vertical ribs. The hood makes its way
back between large and in charge rounded fenders that frame wide
whites with a hint of the body matching red paint on the wheels. On
the bottom of the side panels is a wide strip of rocker chrome
which deals with the flared out body and door panels, and the
ending of the front fenders and beginnings of the rears. A split
windshield also framed in chrome has dual spotlights hanging off of
either side, along with dainty round rear view mirrors on thin
stalks on either side. A canvas top which is original to the car
shows some soiling and has a zip down rear window. On back a
rounded trunk lid is framed on the bottom with a wide chromed rear
bumper donning a DeSoto badge in red. Vertical tail lighting and a
large center horizontal light is positioned just above the trunk
release. For when the top is down a brown tonneau covering hides
the downed top.
Interior
A swing of the wide doors reveals oxblood leather uppers and lowers
and a cream tuck and roll centerpiece for the door panels. This
motif continues to the bench seats which have oxblood bolsters and
more cream inserts this time without the tuck and roll of the doors
and in broadcloth. The front bench has a split back for easy access
to the rear bench. The rear bench picks up the tuck and roll cream
leading this writer to believe there was a recovering of the front
at some time in this car's history. Up front, a large white
bakelite steering wheel with a chromed horn ring and massive center
fronts an art deco inspired dash with more chrome, rectangular
gauges and a vertical mounted radio. Wonderfully clean red deep
pile carpeting floods the floors and just above on the lower dash
is a circle swirl pattern aluminum with lots of knobs and buttons.
A fine mix of vertical ribs in chrome and chrome accents makes this
interior have a touch of class.
Drivetrain
Under the hood reveals a large oil bath air cleaner attached to the
side of a 236.7ci inline 6-cylinder mill that sports solid lifters.
Underneath that oil bath cleaner is a 1-barrel carburetor and on
back is a 4-speed semi-automatic fluid drive which consigner states
has a new clutch. Waaaay back is a 3.90 rear driving the axle on
back.
Undercarriage
Black resprayed steel creates the X frame and steel structure of
the floorboards and trunk panels. Paint is peeling just a bit to
reveal the brown factory undercoating which was an Oilite
rustproofing from the factory. Independent coil springs form the
front ride assist and leaf springs are on the back. Drum brakes are
all around and an aged exhaust system is attached. Also noted some
of the body mounts are showing signs of rusting.
Drive-Ability
She fires right up and with just a bit of assist on the first part,
(upswing of the front), of the top down procedure the rest is
easily handled by the motor for this power top. Driving is a
pleasure, and I noticed the turn signals were inoperable. Brakes
are good and acceleration is surprisingly snappy given the fluid
drive.
All in all, a consignor stated original car, (we may see some
slight signs of some updating). A fine example of an upscale car
loaded with chrome and dripping with art deco styling with the
disappearing front fenders and flared out rockers. Wide whites and
moon caps, searchlights and fog lights, and the convertible which
is power are just a few of the many pluses on this well-preserved
car. Just DeLiteful!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
