DeSoto Adventurer I Coupe 5.6 V8 (320 Hp) PowerFlite
People\'s Opinion
N/A / 5
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 Coupe Overview:
DeSoto Adventurer (I Coupe). With 483 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1828 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. 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.
Performance Verdict
For its time, the 5.6L V8 (S24 engine code) was an absolute powerhouse, delivering an impressive 320 Hp and 483 Nm of torque. This made the Adventurer one of the fastest and most potent cars on the road in 1955, offering exhilarating acceleration and strong highway cruising capabilities, despite the 2-speed PowerFlite automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large displacement, carbureted V8 from the 1950s, fuel economy was a significant drawback. Owners could anticipate very low miles per gallon, making it an expensive car to run by modern standards, though typical for high-performance vehicles of that era.
Best Use Case:
Highway cruising, classic car shows, spirited weekend drives, collector's item.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional performance for its era (320 Hp V8)
- • Distinctive and luxurious styling
- • Historical significance as a early performance car
- • Comfortable ride quality for 1950s standards
- • Highly collectible and sought-after by enthusiasts
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy
- • Basic safety features by modern standards (drum brakes, no airbags)
- • 2-speed automatic transmission limits modern driving feel
- • Parts availability can be challenging for restoration
- • Large dimensions make it less agile in urban environments
Specifications:
| General: |
| Brand: | DeSoto |
|---|
| Model: | Adventurer |
|---|
| Generation: | I Coupe |
|---|
| Modification (Engine): | 5.6 V8 (320 Hp) PowerFlite |
|---|
| Start of production: | 1955 |
|---|
| End of production: | 1956 |
|---|
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
|---|
| Body type: | Coupe |
|---|
| Seats: | 6 |
|---|
| Doors: | 2 |
|---|
| Engine: |
| Power: | 320 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
|---|
| Power per litre: | 57.2 Hp/l |
|---|
| Torque: | 483 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
|---|
| Engine Model/Code: | S24 |
|---|
| Engine displacement: | 5595 |
|---|
| 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: | 3.8 l |
|---|
| Coolant: | 22.7 l |
|---|
| Cylinder Bore: | 96.01 mm mm |
|---|
| Piston Stroke: | 96.52 mm mm |
|---|
| Compression ratio: | 9.25:1 |
|---|
| Performance: |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
|---|
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.7 kg/Hp, 175.1 Hp/tonne |
|---|
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.8 kg/Nm, 264.2 Nm/tonne |
|---|
| Space: |
| Kerb Weight: | 1828 |
|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 79 l |
|---|
| Size: |
| Length: | 5611 mm mm |
|---|
| Width: | 1989 mm mm |
|---|
| Height: | 1473 mm mm |
|---|
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm |
|---|
| Front track: | 1534 mm |
|---|
| Rear (Back) track: | 1514 mm |
|---|
| Front overhang: | 930 mm |
|---|
| Rear overhang: | 1481 mm |
|---|
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.4 m |
|---|
| Powertrain: |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
|---|
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
|---|
| Number of gears | 2 |
|---|
| Transmission type | Automatic |
|---|
| Gearbox type | PowerFlite |
|---|
| Front brakes | Drum, 305 mm |
|---|
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm |
|---|
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
|---|
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
|---|
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
|---|
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
|---|
Have you ever driven an DeSoto Adventurer?
How was your experience with it? Share with us: