Manufacturer DeSoto (Chrysler) Class Full-size | Model years 1939–1952 | |
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Also called DeSoto Custom
DeSoto Diplomat (export) Assembly Los Angeles (Maywood) Assembly
Jefferson Avenue Assembly Body style 2-door coupe
4-door sedan | ||
The DeSoto Deluxe (also sometimes spelled DeLuxe) is an automobile produced by DeSoto from 1939 through to the 1952 model year. While in production, the Deluxe was DeSoto's entry-level car, and was offered primarily as two-door and four-door sedans. The Deluxe range also included the extended-wheelbase Suburban sedan. The body was claimed to be rust proof.
The Deluxe differed from the more upmarket Custom line by virtue of the traits found in base models, namely less trim, fewer standard features, and plainer interiors in fewer color combinations. A six-tube and an eight-tube radio were optional.
The Deluxe shared its engine with the Custom, and was powered by Chrysler's L-head 237 cu in (3.88 l) six-cylinder engine, delivering 109 bhp (81 kW) at 3600 rpm.The DeSoto had full instrumentation.
Deluxes produced during the 1946, 1947, 1948 and first half of the 1949 model years used DeSoto's prewar bodies, slightly updated following the end of World War II. In 1948, low-pressure tires became standard equipment. A fully redesigned DeSoto was launched in the second half of 1949, and these cars are referred to as "1949 Second Series" models.
In 1950, the Custom gained DeSoto's first consumer-designed station wagon body style, however the body style was not offered as a Deluxe. The Custom also received DeSoto's first hardtop coupe, which featured pillarless door design and trimmed to convertible standards, and again, the Deluxe was excluded from the premium body style. In 1951, the brakes grew to 12 inches in diameter.
The Deluxe remained DeSoto's base model until it was replaced by the DeSoto Powermaster in 1953.