1959 Desoto Adventurer Convertible Coupe
Also called the Golden Adventurer, this model represented the top-of-range for Desoto in 1959. IT was distinguished from the standard Convertible Coupe with Golden accents that ran along the side of the car. The theme was extended to the entire car and, in many ways, was more extravagant then the Chrysler letter series cars.
Other exterior features that distinguished the adventurer line were whitewall tires, dual exhaust outlets, dual outside remote-control mirrors and rear-mounted manual radio antennas. Inside it had had electric windows, an electric clock, a padded instrument panel and power-operated front seat. Chassis upgrades were limited to a heavy-duty suspension and power brakes.
1959 was the first year of the 383 cubic inch V8 with wedge cylinder heads. This produced a capable 350 bhp, even if it wasn’t as exciting as the HEMI-powered 1957 Desotos.
In 1960, unitary steel monocoques in Chrysler’s lineup meant that the Desoto couldn’t be built from the chrysler frame. Instead, Desotos were rebadges Chryslers and many consider 1959 the last year of the purebred Desotos.
Of all the 1,178 DeSoto convertibles, only 97 came with the ornamental Adventurer trim level. Our feature car is one such example which was sold at RM Auction’s Automobiles of Arizona sale. It was described as “offered in fresh, show-winning condition, benefiting from knowledgeable ownership and climate-controlled storage. At once imposing and incredibly rare, this Adventurer stands today as one of the finest and most desirable automobiles ever offered by DeSoto.”
Story by Supercars.net
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| engine | V8 |
| position | Front Longitudina,l |
| fuel feed | AFB 4-Barrel Carburetors |
| power | 261 kw / 350 bhp |
| front brakes | Drums |
| rear brakes | Drums |
| f suspension | Independent |
| r suspension | Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs |
| wheelbase | 3200.3999 mm / 126 in |
| transmission | TorqueFlite 3-Speed Automatic |
