1952 DeSoto Club Coupe

1952 DeSoto S15 Deluxe Additional Info:

This is an all original 1952 DeSoto Sport Coupe that was purchased by Manuel Morino on June 13, 1952 from Madonna Motors in Gilroy, California. It has only been driven a little over 10,200 miles since new, still rides on the original Goodyear tires (spare never mounted), and has a complete documented history to verify its originality and authenticity. It has been garaged since new and stored in Southern California most of its life. The body is perfect except for a very small ding on the right rear fender from a grocery shopping cart in Morgan Hill over 55 years ago. This is truly a “barn find” that has been pampered for 67 years, runs just as smoothly as the day it rolled off the assembly line, and is in museum quality.
History of Vehicle:Manuel Morino was a farmer who owned a plum orchard in Morgan Hill, just north of Gilroy. Mr. Morino, a Spanish immigrant, loved DeSotos because Hernando De Soto, the Spanish explorer who conquered Florida in 1536, adorned the vehicle’s hubcaps, steering wheel, and hood ornament. In 1952, Mr. Moreno traded his 1948 De Soto for this new model.
Matt Bonaccorso, the grandson of Mr. Marino, would work every summer alongside his grandfather in the orchard. With only 8,900 miles on the vehicle, Matt’s grandfather gave him this car as a high school graduation present to thank him for spending his summers working on the ranch.
Upon graduation, Matt left for college but was wise enough to leave the DeSoto in his grandfather’s garage while attending school. The car was regularly started and kept clean with a cover that Matt’s grandmother sewed from flour sacks. Mothball crystals were placed in a can under the driver’s seat (still there) to protect the wool seats and headliner from moth damage.
The original purchase contract from Madonna Motors for $2833 as well as maintenance receipts, shop manual, Madonna Motors leather key fob with original keys, Kleenex dispenser on the visor, Madonna Motors front and rear license plate frames, registration holder on the steering column, and recorded video history by Matt Bonaccorso are all included. I even have a picture of Manuel Morino and his wife.
This DeSoto is clearly the most original, lowest mileage, and cleanest vehicle I have ever owned. I am confident that the successful bidder will enjoy years of enjoyment.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. The car is available for professional inspection. Non-refundable deposit. (818) 482-1231