DeSoto Deluxe Station Wagon (Second Series) 3.9 (112 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

DeSoto Deluxe:

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 Deluxe (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) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 3.9L inline-six engine provided a respectable 112 Hp and strong low-end torque (264 Nm) for its time, making it capable for family transport and general utility, though not built for speed.

Fuel Economy

As a large displacement, carbureted engine from 1949, fuel economy would be poor by modern standards, typical for vehicles of its era.

Best Use Case: Family transport, utility, general cruising on period roads.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious interior and seating for 9
  • • Robust and relatively simple inline-six engine
  • • Classic American styling and historical significance
  • • Innovative Tip-Toe Shift option for its era
  • • Good low-end torque for hauling

Cons:

  • • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
  • • Lack of modern safety features
  • • Dated driving dynamics and handling
  • • Parts availability can be challenging for restoration
  • • Drum brakes offer limited stopping power

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(3-Passenger Coupe: 1946 - 1949).

General:
Brand:DeSoto
Model:Deluxe
Generation:Station Wagon (Second Series)
Modification (Engine):3.9 (112 Hp)
Start of production:1949
End of production:1949
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 [199mm more]
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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears3
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDrum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.]
Front suspensionIndependent coil spring

Your first impression of the DeSoto Deluxe in one word? Go!