1941 De Soto Convertible (LHD)

Description

Named after a Spanish explorer, Chrysler introduced DeSoto as a separate make for the 1929 model year, filling a gap between the less expensive Plymouth and the more upmarket Chryslers. Conventionally styled and engineered, the DeSoto proved a hit right from the outset, with more than 80,000 cars sold in the first twelve months - a record for a new American make at that time. The Depression hit sales hard, despite the introduction of a new eight-cylinder model in 1930 and DeSoto was repositioned closer to the Chrysler brand, both in price and equipment levels, culminating with a version of the radical Airflow model in 1934. However the American public struggled to accept the new Airflow and Airstream models and it wasn’t until a return to more conventionally-styled cars in 1937 saw an upswing in sales. By this stage all DeSotos were powered by an L-head six displacing 228-cid, which remained in use until 1941. The 1941 Series S-8 was sold in two trim levels (Deluxe and Custom) on two wheelbase lengths (either 121.5-inch and 139.5-inch wheelbases), while mechanical innovations included Fluid Drive and the semi-automatic ‘Simplimatic’ transmission system. Described as “long, low-slung and rakish” in contemporary publicity material, DeSoto’s “Rocket Bodies” featured a bold new grille complete with chrome ‘teeth’, with grille guards, spot lights and fog lights all popular options. The cheaper Deluxe was only sold in Business Coupe, Coupe or Sedan variants but the more upmarket Custom could also be ordered as a Convertible Coupe, Brougham or Town Sedan. The Convertible Coupe was easily the most glamorous model in the range, priced at $1,240 and just 2937 found buyers in 1941 (from total DeSoto production just shy of 100,000 units) and the few remaining examples are sought after by collectors today.