Click on image to view the full photo gallery
DeSoto Adventurer II 4-Door HardTop 5.9 V8 (265 Hp)
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)
II 4-Door HardTop Overview:
DeSoto Adventurer (II 4-Door HardTop). With 515 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.
5.9 V8 (265 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.9L V8 delivered strong, smooth power suitable for comfortable highway cruising and effortless acceleration, characteristic of American luxury cars of its time.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large V8 from this era, fuel economy was a significant drawback, with high consumption rates typical for its displacement and technology.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
5 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 3 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive and iconic 1960s American styling
- • Powerful 5.9L V8 engine for its era
- • Spacious and comfortable interior, ideal for cruising
- • Smooth operation with the TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Strong collector appeal and historical significance
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy due to large V8 engine
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection
- • Handling and braking are not up to modern standards
- • Parts availability can be challenging for restoration
- • High maintenance costs typical of classic vehicles
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I 4-Door Sedan: 1959 - 1960).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Adventurer |
| Generation: | II 4-Door HardTop |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.9 V8 (265 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1960 |
| End of production: | 1961 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 265 Hp @ 4400 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 44.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 515 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 5916 |
| 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: | 104.65 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 929 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 76 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 12.6° |
| Length: | 5476 mm mm [36mm less] |
| Width: | 2017 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1397 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3099 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 884 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1494 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 132 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 14.3 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 16° |
| Departure angle: | 10.5° |
| 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 | Manual |
| 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 |
Real owners, real reviews. Tell us about your DeSoto Adventurer.