Nice Paint/Wonderful Chrome /Inline Flathead 6/4-Speed Fluid Drive Semi Auto

1946 DeSoto S11 Convertible Additional Info:

1946 DeSoto S-11 Convertible
Named for the Spanish Conqueror/Explorer Hernando DeSoto, this Chrysler branded offshoot has a hankering to be driven to the out of the way places America's back roads could take you. The interstate highway system was not even an idea at this point, so this is how travelers and explorers would get around. The DeSoto did so in style and comfort and this model has the added convenience of a convertible top.
Explore the niches of the North American continent, go for a Sunday drive, or pick up groceries, in any situation this Desoto is stunningly De-licious, and is an original car, sporting it's original paint, (as our consignor states), and a power convertible top. Lest we forget the miles of beautiful chrome which gleams against a red painted steel rust free field of Detroit iron. Floating on wide whites with badged moon caps the 1946 post war model is virtually the prewar 1942 design sans the hidden headlights.
Exterior
Emblazoned with a plethora of chrome plated spears as accenting on the hood, fenders and rear wheel surrounds, and blending nicely with the vertical ribbed "shaver style" grille this car bleeds expensive looks. A hood ornament of its namesake's face leads the way atop the bulbous hood and is framed way below with a wraparound massive bumper just below the vertical ribs. The hood makes its way back between large and in charge rounded fenders that frame wide whites with a hint of the body matching red paint on the wheels. On the bottom of the side panels is a wide strip of rocker chrome which deals with the flared out body and door panels, and the ending of the front fenders and beginnings of the rears. A split windshield also framed in chrome has dual spotlights hanging off of either side, along with dainty round rear view mirrors on thin stalks on either side. A canvas top which is original to the car shows some soiling and has a zip down rear window. On back a rounded trunk lid iOS framed on the bottom with a wide chromed rear bumper donning a DeSoto badge in red. Vertical tail lighting and a large center horizontal light is positioned just above the trunk release. For when the top is down a brown tonneau covering hides the downed top.
Interior
A swing of the wide doors reveals oxblood leather uppers and lowers and a cream tuck and roll centerpiece for the door panels. This motif continues to the bench seats which have oxblood bolsters and more cream inserts this time without the tuck and roll of the doors and in broadcloth. The front bench has a split back for easy access to the rear bench. The rear bench picks up the tuck and roll cream leading this writer to believe there was a recovering of the front at some time in this car's history. Up front, a large white bakelite steering wheel with a chromed horn ring and massive center fronts an art deco inspired dash with more chrome, rectangular gauges and a vertical mounted radio. Wonderfully clean red deep pile carpeting floods the floors and just above on the lower dash is a circle swirl pattern aluminum with lots of knobs and buttons. A fine mix of vertical ribs in chrome and chrome accents makes this interior have a touch of class.
Drivetrain
Under the hood reveals a large oil bath air cleaner attached to the side of a 236.7ci inline 6-cylinder mill that sports solid lifters. Underneath that oil bath cleaner is a 1-barrel carburetor and on back is a 4-speed semi-automatic fluid drive which consigner states has a new clutch. Waaaay back is a 3.90 rear driving the axle on back.
Undercarriage
Black resprayed steel creates the X frame and steel structure of the floorboards and trunk panels. Paint is peeling just a bit to reveal the brown factory undercoating which was an Oilite rustproofing from the factory. Independent coil springs form the front ride assist and leaf springs are on the back. Drum brakes are all around and an aged exhaust system is attached. Also noted some of the body mounts are showing signs of rusting.
Drive-Ability
She fires right up and with just a bit of assist on the first part, (upswing of the front), of the top down procedure the rest is easily handled by the motor for this power top. Driving is a pleasure, and I noticed the turn signals were inoperable. Brakes are good and acceleration is surprisingly snappy given the fluid drive.
All in all, a consignor stated original car, (we may see some slight signs of some updating). A fine example of an upscale car loaded with chrome and dripping with art deco styling with the disappearing front fenders and flared out rockers. Wide whites and moon caps, searchlights and fog lights, and the convertible which is power are just a few of the many pluses on this well-preserved car. Just DeLiteful!