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DeSoto Custom II Club Coupe 4.1 (116 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift
Overall Rating
DeSoto Custom:
The DeSoto Series S-10 is an automobile produced by DeSoto from 1942 through to the 1952 model year. While in production, the Series S-10, which was sold with the trim package DeLuxe, was DeSoto's entry-level car, and was offered primarily as two-door and four-door sedans while the Custom offered upscale interiors and appearance including a 7-passenger sedan and the extended-wheelbase Suburban sedans. The body was claimed to be "rust proofed".
The DeLuxe differed from the more upmarket Custom line by having less trim, fewer standard features, and plainer interiors in fewer color combinations. A six-tube and an eight-tube radio were optional....(Read more on Wikipedia)
II Club Coupe Overview:
DeSoto Custom (II Club Coupe). With 282 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
4.1 (116 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 4.1L inline-six engine provided adequate power for cruising in 1951, delivering 116 Hp and a respectable 282 Nm of torque at low RPMs. Paired with the innovative Tip-Toe Shift automatic, it offered a smooth, relaxed driving experience rather than spirited performance.
Fuel Economy
Given its large displacement, carburettor fuel system, and 1950s technology, fuel economy for this 4.1L engine would be considered poor by modern standards, likely in the single-digit MPG range.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive classic American styling and chrome accents.
- • Spacious and comfortable interior, ideal for cruising.
- • Smooth operation of the 4.1L inline-six engine.
- • Innovative and unique Tip-Toe Shift automatic transmission for its era.
- • Relatively robust mechanicals for a vintage vehicle.
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards.
- • Lacks any modern safety features (airbags, ABS, seatbelts).
- • Performance is leisurely, not suited for spirited driving.
- • Parts availability can be challenging for restoration and maintenance.
- • Large turning circle makes maneuvering in tight spaces difficult.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sportsman Coupe (Second Series): 1950 - December, 1950).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Custom |
| Generation: | II Club Coupe |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.1 (116 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift |
| Start of production: | 1951 |
| End of production: | 1952 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 116 Hp @ 3600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 28.3 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 282 Nm @ 1600 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4106 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 14.2 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87.31 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 114.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5290 mm mm [37mm more] |
| Width: | 1908 mm mm [46mm more] |
| Height: | 1660 mm mm [27mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3188 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1512 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 210 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Tip-Toe Shift |
| Front brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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