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DeSoto Powermaster Six 8-Passenger (facelift 1954) 4.1 (116 Hp) PowerFlite
Overall Rating
DeSoto Powermaster Six:
The DeSoto Powermaster was an automobile built by DeSoto during model years 1952 to 1954. The car debuted during DeSoto's 25th anniversary, taking the place of the entry-level DeSoto Deluxe.
The Powermaster was a full-size car, offered in pillared two and four-door sedan and station wagon models, and powered by Chrysler's 251 cu in DeSoto I6 engine. For both of its years in production, the Powermaster was available as an eight-passenger sedan through the use of jump seats, called the DeSoto Suburban. The Powermaster was also built on a longer wheelbase ) than regular six-passenger DeSotos ). A version of the long wheelbase model was used as a basis for the DeSoto Taxi, seen in many Hollywood movies from the late 1930s through the mid-1950s....(Read more on Wikipedia)
8-Passenger (facelift 1954) Overview:
DeSoto Powermaster Six (8-Passenger (facelift 1954)). 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 8, it’s perfect for larger families.
4.1 (116 Hp) PowerFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 4.1L inline-six, paired with the PowerFlite automatic, offered smooth, adequate power for comfortable cruising, though not built for spirited acceleration. Its 116 Hp was respectable for a family sedan of the mid-1950s.
Fuel Economy
Typical for its era, the carbureted 4.1L engine delivered modest fuel economy by modern standards, prioritizing smooth operation over efficiency. Expect single-digit MPG figures.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Classic American styling and presence
- • Spacious 8-passenger interior
- • Comfortable ride quality for its era
- • Robust and dependable inline-six engine
- • Historical significance as a DeSoto model
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features (e.g., airbags, ABS)
- • Challenging to find parts and specialized mechanics
- • Vague steering and soft handling compared to modern cars
- • Limited acceleration for contemporary driving
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(8-Passenger: 1952 - 1953).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Powermaster Six |
| Generation: | 8-Passenger (facelift 1954) |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.1 (116 Hp) PowerFlite |
| Start of production: | 1953 |
| End of production: | 1954 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 8 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 116 Hp @ 3600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 28.3 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 282 Nm @ 1600 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4105 |
| 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: | 15.1 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87.31 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 114.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5686 mm mm [13mm less] |
| Width: | 1972 mm mm [9mm more] |
| Height: | 1650 mm mm [30mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3543 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1403 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1438 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 | 2 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | PowerFlite |
| Front brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Behind the wheel of the DeSoto Powermaster Six. How does it handle on the road?