DeSoto Custom Station Wagon (Second Series) 3.9 (112 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift


Overall Rating

7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

Station Wagon (Second Series) Overview:

DeSoto Custom (Station Wagon (Second Series)). With 264 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. With seating for 9, it’s perfect for larger families.

3.9 (112 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 3.9L inline-six engine provided adequate power for family cruising and daily duties in 1950. Paired with the innovative Tip-Toe Shift automatic transmission, it offered a smooth, if not exhilarating, driving experience for a large station wagon.

Fuel Economy

Typical for its era, the carbureted 3.9L engine would have delivered modest fuel economy, likely in the low teens (MPG), reflecting the technology and fuel prices of the time.

Best Use Case: Family cruising, long-distance travel, and light hauling where comfort and space were prioritized over outright speed or fuel efficiency.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious 9-seater capacity, ideal for large families or carpooling.
  • • Smooth operation with the Tip-Toe Shift automatic transmission.
  • • Distinctive classic American styling and historical significance.
  • • Robust inline-six engine known for durability in its time.

Cons:

  • • Poor fuel economy by modern standards.
  • • Limited safety features compared to contemporary vehicles.
  • • Performance is adequate but not spirited.
  • • Maintenance can be challenging due to age and parts availability.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Convertible Coupe (Second Series): 1949 - 1950).

General:
Brand:DeSoto
Model:Custom
Generation:Station Wagon (Second Series)
Modification (Engine):3.9 (112 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift
Start of production:1950
End of production:December, 1950
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:9
Doors:5
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:87.31 mm mm
Piston Stroke:107.95 mm mm
Compression ratio:7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Space:
Fuel tank capacity:61 l
Size:
Length:5464 mm mm [211mm more]
Width:1862 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1687 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:3188 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):13 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeTip-Toe Shift
Front brakesDrum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.]
Front suspensionIndependent coil spring

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