For Sale: 1956 DeSoto Adventurer in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1956 Desoto Adventurer 2 Door Hardtop

"The DeSoto Adventurer was introduced in 1956 as a high performance halo model on the FireFlite range. Initially, it was only available in the black/silver/gold color combination. Adventurer and Fireflite would be the only DeSoto model names to survive until 1960. There were no model names in 1961 - all DeSotos that year were sold simply as 'DeSoto.' Adventurer would be reborn as a trim package on Dodge D-Series trucks starting in 1968."

For consignment, a 1956 Desoto Adventurer two door hardtop showing 52,523 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to a PA state title exemption. This car is powered by a Hemi, contains a record player, and golden hubcaps. It's one of 996 ever produced and according to our consignor, the only surviving one in this color. That alone is worth the price of admission, but there's more!

Exterior
Makes total sense that this color is called Adventurer Gold in basecoat and clearcoat enamel, mated with Surf White here for the iconic 50's two tone, but not just layered; the white is applied in an abstract shape that followed the lines for the broad brightwork on the side. It also covers the roof and C-pillar which is split by curvy stainless that gives the illusion of a two piece roof. The car's ornate profile peaks in back where fins become brims over protruding tail light lenses and some of us are sure the kid cars at Atlantic City's Steel Pier were modeled after this masterpiece! There's big chrome back here in the form of a bumper flanked with ornamental U-shaped bookends. Up front, fender ornaments flank a central one over a chrome framed hood scoop, grated gold grille, and large chrome bumper. White walls surround gold wheel covers for the proverbial cherry on top, or down below! Imperfections include chips, inclusions, bubbling, edgewear, scratches, cracks, gap issues, paint run, and evident filler in the threshold.

Interior
An elaborate, dare we say dizzying array of materials, textures, design and colors begin on the door panels that mix ivory and black vinyl with brown tweed and of course, polished metal, both with a touch of patina. The gold vinyl seats and their tweed inserts with black piping show decently, first as a split bench up front with some loose vinyl and as a two position bench in back, where we do note some wear in the tweed. Inside of the horn ring is not a center cap but a clock! This fronts a cream colored dash with chrome rings around white faced gauges and knobs, the whole thing contained in a black dash surround. Oh sure, there's an AM radio on board, but it's the record player that will excite the show car audience. We have black carpet below, a white headliner above, and a trunk that is spotless and show ready.

Drivetrain
And talk about show ready, the 341ci Hemi V8 under the hood is ready to take center stage. It puts out 320 horsepower, is fueled through dual4-barrel carburetors, and is tied to a PowerFlite 2-speed automatic transmission that finds 3.90 gears in back. Power steering helps tame this big car into turns.

Undercarriage
Clean conditions are found with just a drop or two of oil. Here, dual exhaust flows through stock style mufflers on their way to a rear exit through showy little oval tips. Drum brakes are at all four wheels and suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in back.

Drive-Ability
Knocking on the door of land yacht territory, this big performance luxury car sets sail onto the test loop with good power, straight tracking, and with curved windows at both ends, great visibility. It's quite the cruiser! We note the back brakes dragging a bit but all other functions operate as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

Our consignor is including ten records with the car along with the build certificate. In our eight years of business, we've had less than 20 DeSotos in our midst and this Adventurer is surely one of the rarest. It's a special car and we can't wait to meet the new owner!

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.

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