Click on image to view the full photo gallery
DeSoto Adventurer I 4-Door HardTop 6.3 V8 (325 Hp) TorqueFlite
Overall Rating
DeSoto Adventurer:
The DeSoto Adventurer is a full-sized automobile that was produced by DeSoto from 1956 through the 1960 model year. Introduced as a four-seat high-performance sports coupe concept car, the Adventurer ended up being DeSoto's special, limited-production, high-performance model, similar to the more luxurious and exclusive "letter series" Chrysler 300 and Chrysler Saratoga.
Initially offered only as a hardtop coupe, the Adventurer was DeSoto's top-trim level car, replacing the Custom. A convertible was added to the model range in 1957, and a four-door hardtop and sedan in its final year of 1960....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I 4-Door HardTop Overview:
DeSoto Adventurer (I 4-Door HardTop). With 576 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 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
6.3 V8 (325 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Positioned just below the top-spec, the 325 Hp V8 provided a fantastic blend of power and refinement, ensuring strong acceleration and a commanding presence on the road.
Fuel Economy
As with all V8s in this lineup, fuel consumption was significant. Owners should expect frequent stops at the pump, reflecting the era's focus on displacement and power.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful V8 engines for exhilarating performance
- • Distinctive and iconic 'Forward Look' styling
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for six passengers
- • Smooth TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Significant collector's item and historical value
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection
- • Large dimensions can make city driving challenging
- • Maintenance and parts can be specialized and costly
- • Soft suspension not suited for spirited cornering
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Convertible (facelift 1959): 1958 - 1959).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Adventurer |
| Generation: | I 4-Door HardTop |
| Modification (Engine): | 6.3 V8 (325 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1959 |
| End of production: | 1960 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 325 Hp @ 4600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 51.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 576 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 6276 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 16.1 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 107.95 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 929 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 12.4° |
| Length: | 5512 mm mm [104mm less] |
| Width: | 2017 mm mm [18mm more] |
| Height: | 1397 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 3099 mm mm [101mm less] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 881 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1532 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 132 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 14.3 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 15.6° |
| Departure angle: | 10.4° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | TorqueFlite |
| Front brakes | Drum, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Is it love at first sight with the DeSoto Adventurer? Tell us your story!