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DeSoto Custom II Suburban 4.1 (116 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)
II Suburban Overview:
DeSoto Custom (II Suburban). With 282 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.
4.1 (116 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 4.1L inline-6 provided adequate power for its time, delivering smooth, unhurried acceleration suitable for cruising. The Tip-Toe Shift automatic transmission offered convenience, though not particularly quick shifts.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was typical for a large American car of the early 1950s, meaning it was not a strong point by modern standards, but acceptable for the era's fuel prices and expectations.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious 9-seater interior ideal for large families or carpooling.
- • Smooth and relatively quiet inline-6 engine for comfortable cruising.
- • Distinctive styling and historical significance as a classic American car.
- • Innovative Tip-Toe Shift automatic transmission for its era.
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy by modern standards.
- • Braking and handling are rudimentary compared to contemporary vehicles.
- • Lack of modern safety features.
- • Parts availability can be challenging for restoration.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sportsman Coupe (Second Series): 1950 - December, 1950).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Custom |
| Generation: | II Suburban |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.1 (116 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift |
| Start of production: | 1951 |
| End of production: | 1952 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 9 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 116 Hp @ 3600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 28.3 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 282 Nm @ 1600 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4106 |
| 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: | 114.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5699 mm mm [446mm more] |
| Width: | 1934 mm mm [72mm more] |
| Height: | 1680 mm mm [7mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3543 mm mm [355mm more] |
| Front track: | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1512 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 210 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.5 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, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Behind the wheel of the DeSoto Custom. How does it handle on the road?