Click on image to view the full photo gallery
DeSoto Custom Club Coupe (Second Series) 3.9 (112 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)
Club Coupe (Second Series) Overview:
DeSoto Custom (Club Coupe (Second Series)). With 264 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.
3.9 (112 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 3.9L inline-6 engine provided adequate power for comfortable cruising in 1949, delivering 112 Hp. Paired with the innovative Tip-Toe Shift automatic, it offered smooth, unhurried acceleration suitable for period driving, rather than spirited performance.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy for the 3.9L carbureted engine would be considered poor by modern standards, likely in the range of 10-15 MPG (US). Its design prioritized smooth operation and durability over fuel efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive post-war American styling and chrome accents.
- • Comfortable ride with soft suspension and spacious interior.
- • Historical significance as a classic DeSoto model.
- • Smooth operation of the Tip-Toe Shift automatic transmission.
- • Robust and relatively simple mechanical design for its era.
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards.
- • Lack of any modern safety features (airbags, ABS, seatbelts).
- • Performance is leisurely, not suited for modern traffic speeds.
- • Parts availability can be challenging for restoration and maintenance.
- • Large turning circle makes maneuvering difficult in tight spaces.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Brougham: 1946 - 1949).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Custom |
| Generation: | Club Coupe (Second Series) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.9 (112 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift |
| Start of production: | 1949 |
| End of production: | 1950 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 112 Hp @ 3600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 28.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 264 Nm @ 1600 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: | 87.3 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 107.95 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5253 mm mm [12mm less] |
| Width: | 1862 mm mm [61mm less] |
| Height: | 1687 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3188 mm mm [102mm more] |
| 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, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
What’s the best feature of the DeSoto Custom? Tell us in the comments!