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DeSoto Custom Suburban 3.9 (109 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)
Suburban Overview:
DeSoto Custom (Suburban). With 260 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. With seating for 9, it’s perfect for larger families.
This vehicle predates modern crash testing standards and Euro NCAP ratings. Safety features are limited to basic structural integrity and drum brakes, offering minimal protection compared to contemporary vehicles.
3.9 (109 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Identical engine performance to the standard 3.9L, offering the same 109 Hp and 260 Nm. The 'Tip-Toe Shift' likely refers to a semi-automatic or fluid-drive transmission option, providing a smoother, less demanding driving experience compared to a full manual.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy remains poor, consistent with the standard 3.9L engine. The semi-automatic transmission, while convenient, would not significantly improve efficiency over the manual variant.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious 9-seater capacity, ideal for large families or group transport
- • Classic American styling with distinctive DeSoto features
- • Robust and reliable inline-6 engine for its era
- • Significant historical and collector's value
- • Comfortable and smooth ride quality for its time
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Complete lack of modern safety features
- • Dated driving dynamics and handling characteristics
- • Challenging parts availability for restoration and maintenance
- • Slow acceleration and limited top speed compared to modern vehicles
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Custom |
| Generation: | Suburban |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.9 (109 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift |
| Start of production: | 1946 |
| End of production: | 1949 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 9 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 109 Hp @ 3600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 28.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 260 Nm @ 1200 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 3877 |
| 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: | 16.1 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87.31 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 107.95 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 6.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 76 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5723 mm mm |
| Width: | 1956 mm mm |
| Height: | 1700 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 3543 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1448 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1524 mm |
| 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 |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm |
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