DeSoto Custom Station Wagon (Second Series) 3.9 (112 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift
People\'s Opinion
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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.
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 Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
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| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
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| Number of gears | 4 |
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| Transmission type | Automatic |
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| Gearbox type | Tip-Toe Shift |
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| Front brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
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| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
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| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
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