1942 DeSoto Club Coupe S10

1942 DeSoto Deluxe Additional Info:

This is a very rare 1942 DeSoto Club Coupe. I have owned this car for twelve years and purchased it in San Diego, CA as a running and driving car. It still runs, drives and stops. The original S10 engine was rebuilt at some time in the past. That was done by a previous owner and I have no receipts, but it runs smoothly and quietly with no noticeable smoke. There is hesitation when you accelerate so I suspect a carb rebuild is in order. It will also require brake work to become a driver. When I first bought it the brakes were inoperable, but I have since replaced the master cylinder and bled the brakes. However, the front right brake cylinder was not operating properly and will need attention. The 15” whitewall radial tires have no wear but are over 10 years old and mounted on 15” rims from a later DeSoto. I have not driven the car long distances, just enough to see that the transmission operated. On that note, the original Vacamatic transmission was replaced long ago with a Hydraulic semi-automatic transmission from an S11 1946-48 DeSoto. This was a fairly common switch back in the day due to the Vacamatic transmissions being a bit more problematic and slower on take-off as compared with the later transmission. Included is an original Vacamatic should the new owner wish to convert it back to original. The car is currently in non-op status and just driven around my rural property occasionally. I have a clear California title in my name.

As for the car’s history, it was owned by a fellow member of the DeSoto Club. He purchased it about 30 years ago from another club member. The paint was done many years ago in black lacquer. It still shines up nicely and looks great, but there are the usual imperfections you would expect on an older paint job. I see no evidence of rust but there is a tiny crack in the right B pillar as shown in a photo. Much of the chrome was also done years ago, and it still has a nice shine and looks great. The previous owner did some work to improve the car, such as interior, wiring and exhaust, but much of that was not done to original specifications. The interior is a modern grey velour and only somewhat resembles the original pattern. The steering wheel interior trim were painted grey. A couple of the dash pieces were replaced with 1946-48 DeSoto trim, and the steering wheel is from a 1946-48 DeSoto. However, I have collected all the necessary parts to put the car back to its original state, including a nearly complete 42 DeSoto parts car that is included in the sale. Also included is a very decent original steering wheel complete with horn button and horn ring, original 1942 chrome dash pieces, rear ashtrays, etc

Other work done by the previous owner include a split manifold to obtain twin exhaust pipes and a little more horsepower, electrical conversion to 12 volt, an electrically operated radio antenna along with a 12V cassette/radio located in the glovebox, and a complete rewiring of the car. He used plastic wires and installed several aftermarket items such as an auxiliary horn, hidden lights that illuminate the grille, etc. I have not figured out what switches work what aftermarket items since I have not driven the car much. The hidden headlights do open but are stiff, and I could not get them to light up. The dome light does work. I have not taken any time to figure out the other lighting issues and will leave that for the next owner. I installed a NOS fuel gauge but it does not show the gas level. Part of the previous owner’s “upgrade” included a more modern 12V starter and 12V generator. The original rear end was replaced by a 1960’s Mopar 8 ¾ rear end, reportedly because the original brake drums were frozen. I understand that the 8 ¾ rear end currently in the car is highly prized by muscle car enthusiasts, so it would be easy to sell if the new owner wishes to replace it with the original rear end included in the parts car. The previous owner also fabricated a replacement gravel shield that goes between the trunk and rear bumper.

Again, I have all the original components should the next owner wish to restore the car to original, including a factory original high speed rear end with a 3.54 ratio, in the included parts car. The parts car is a nearly complete 1942 DeSoto, missing the bumpers and a few small trim items. It was originally a “blackout” model with painted trim. The dash has been removed but is included, as well as the headlight lever and other components of the headlight system. It rolls and steers but has no brakes. It does have a complete original drive-train.

I will be listing separately a pair of ultra rare 1942 DeSoto fender skirts and a set of 16” 1942 DeSoto wheels that were rescued decades ago from another 1942 DeSoto being crushed by a salvage yard. If the successful bidder of my club coupe wishes to purchase either of these items I will offer a 30% discount off the buy it now price. If one or both of those items have already sold, I have a second pair of fender skirts and a second set of 16” wheels that will be made available to the club coupe buyer at the same price.

I have described the car to the best of my ability. But I strongly encourage buyers to inspect the car to be satisfied as to its condition prior to bidding. And please ask any questions before bidding. If you wish to speak on the phone or want more photos, then please email me well before close of auction.

TERMS: A $300 deposit is due within 48 hours of the end of the auction, and you have a 7 day grace period from close of auction to inspect the car and pay the remaining full balance. If, after a timely inspection within the 7 day period, you find the car not to your liking, we will refund your deposit. Otherwise, the full balance is due within 7 days of the end of the auction, in either cash or wire transfer. The $300 deposit becomes non-refundable after the 7 day inspection period expires.

PAYMENT: For payment of balance beyond the $300 deposit, I prefer bank wire-transfer, or Cash in-person.

This is an as-is sale with no warranties whatsoever.

Shipping costs and arrangements are the responsibility of the buyer. The car is located in Northern California in the town of Rough and Ready, about an hour north of Sacramento.