1959 DeSoto Adventurer

DeSoto, a division of Chrysler Corporation, was in production from 1928 to 1961. Styling was often cutting edge, with the waterfall grills of the 1930s Airflow and the excessive use of chrome trim and tall tail fins of the 1950s. The Adventurer model, introduced in 1956, was DeSoto's high-performance option, complementing the 300B from Chrysler, Plymouth's Fury, and Dodge's D-500, adopting the same low-production specialty model concept as its sister divisions. It was named after two concept cars built by Ghia for DeSoto, the first was designed by Virgil Exner in 1952 and powered by DeSoto's 276 cubic inch Hemi-head V-8. After completing its time on the show circuit, Exner adopted it as his personal car for several years, even racing it on occasion. The second Adventurer followed in 1954, wearing a design by Luigi Segre and Giovanni Savonuzzi at Ghia.

Rejuvenated by the introduction of Virgil Exner's 'Forward Look' styling regime and the addition of fins in 1957, the Adventurer increased in both price and power, becoming one of the first production cars rated at one horsepower per cubic inch. It became more similar in design and features to the Chrysler during its production lifespan before the defunct DeSoto brand ceased production in 1961.

In 1959, the models were restyled with much of the bodywork shared with Chrysler's 300, and just like in previous years, were offered in a choice of either Black or Pearl White, both with Gold accented exterior trim, wheel covers and badging. Demonstrating Exner's iconic Forward look design program, the Adventurer received many over-the-top details, exaggerated proportions, fins, and futuristic touches inspired by the burgeoning jet age. They were large, flashy, and exaggerated, with copious amounts of chrome trim and gold, elaborate interiors, and towering tail fins. Engine displacement grew from 361 to 383 cubic inches and was aided by dual four-barrel carburetion, a special cam and valvetrain, and a modified distributor.

1959 DeSoto models included the Firesweep resting on a 122-inch wheelbase and powered by a 361 CID V8 with 295 horsepower. All other models had a 126-inch wheelbase and a 383 CID V8. The Firedome used a Carter two-barrel carburetor to produce 305 horsepower, while the Fireflite was equipped with a four-barrel Carter carburetor with 325 horsepower. Among the body styles common to the Firesweep, Firedome, and Fireflite were a sedan, two- and four-door sportsman, and convertible coupe. Firesweep and Fireflite were also available as station wagons with 6- and 9-passenger seating. Prices ranged from $2,900 to $4,360.

The Adventurer was priced at $4,430 for the sportsman and $4,750 for the convertible coupe. The 383 CID V8 had hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, two Carter four-barrel carburetors, and delivered 350 horsepower at 5,000 RPM. It had power brakes, power steering, dual exhaust, dual rear radio antennas, dual outside rearview mirrors, and white sidewall Rayon tires measuring 8.50 x 14. The interiors had a swivel front driver's seat, and the two-door hardtop had a simulated Scotch-grain leather finish for the roof. There were deck lid moldings, wheel cutout moldings, and gold color sweep inserts, and the grille was finished in gold.

Just 590 examples of the two-door Sportsman and 97 of the convertible coupe were built in 1959.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2018