Dowdy Driver: 1950 DeSoto Custom 39K Mile Survivor – Sold?

March 18, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Launched in 1929 and lasting through 1961, Chrysler’s DeSoto brand almost always suffered from an identity crisis of where the marque fit in the Mopar spectrum of products. A very bland period in the brand’s history was the Standard and Deluxe models. A fully redesigned DeSoto was launched in the second half of 1949, and these cars are referred to as “1949 Second Series” models.  The upscale Custom differed from Deluxe differed from the entry-level Custom line by featuring more trim, more standard features, and fancier interiors with more color choices. A six-tube and an eight-tube radio were optional.  The Deluxe shared its engine with the Custom and was powered by Chrysler’s L-head 237 cu in inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 109 brake horsepower at 3600 rpm. The DeSoto had full instrumentation and was one of the first cars to feature an automatic transmission, then labeled as “Fluid Drive.”

It’s amazing what great photography can do for an otherwise “Plain-Jain” early 1950s sedan and that’s what inspired us to look deeper into this 1950 Custom DeSoto currently originally listed in February 2021 on Craigslist in Craryville, New York (Poughkeepsie) that is a well-preserved, driver-quality, 39K mile survivor offered at $8,250 currently. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their DeSoto priced just above this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $8,200.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the private seller’s asking price falls between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $7,700 and its #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $12,000.

The Saturday’s World YouTube Channel features this 1950 DeSoto TV commercial touting the Chrysler division’s safety features that year:

We love the color combination and the whole art deco vibe this nicely preserved DeSoto emits. Almost unheard of in this vintage of a car is the fact this example still features its original interior that presents very nicely.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“11950 DeSoto Custom
4 Door 6 passenger
• 39,200 miles

Runs and drives
Has been garage kept
All original everything.
Very well preserved interior!
Paint is fading in some areas.

Own a piece of history.
* DeSoto was an American automobile marque that was manufactured and marketed by the DeSoto Division of Chrysler from 1928 to the 1961 model year.

Will only respond to serious inquiries with a phone number“

Show or go: what would you do with this DeSoto Survivor?  Comment below and let us know!