DeSoto Custom


The DeSoto Custom is an automobile produced by DeSoto from 1939 until the 1952 model year. While in production, the Custom was DeSoto's top-trim level car, and was offered in a wide array of body styles, including a 7-passenger sedan and the extended-wheelbase Suburban sedans.
The Custom shared its engine design with the Deluxe, and were powered by Chrysler's L-head 236.7 six-cylinder engine, delivering at 3,600 rpm.
Custom models, along with Deluxe models, produced during the 1946, 1947, 1948 and first half of the 1949 model years used DeSoto's prewar bodies. A fully redesigned Custom was launched in the second half of 1949, along with a redesigned Deluxe, and these cars are referred to as “1949 Second Series” models.
In 1950, the Custom range gained DeSoto's first consumer-designed station wagon. The Custom also received DeSoto's first hardtop coupe, which featured pillarless door design and which was trimmed to convertible standards. Standard equipment included two-speed electric windshield wipers, a trunk light and full carpeting.
Customs were unseated as DeSoto's premium model range with the introduction of the V8-powered 1952 Firedome model range of cars. DeSoto terminated both the Deluxe and Custom model names in 1953, with the DeSoto Powermaster line assuming their place in DeSoto's 6-cylinder model range.