1947 DeSoto Custom Series LWB Suburban

Due to the outbreak of World War II, all United States automobile production stopped in February of 1942, and car manufacturers shifted to building items for the war effort. Domestic car production did not resume until March 1946, with cars that appeared little changed from the 1941-1942 models. A surprise newcomer to the field was the eight-passenger DeSoto Suburban, which arrived in November of 1946 and was produced unchanged through mid-1949. It was designed as the ultimate in stylish transportation for hotels, airports, and large families. Its unique folding seats allowed for several combinations of passengers and cargo, much like present-day minivans.

A DeSoto Suburban like the one displayed here was featured in the 1970s sitcom 'Happy Days' as the Cunningham family car.