DeSoto Custom

Production period:	1942 to 1952
Class:	Luxury Car
Body versions:	Saloon, station wagon, coupé, convertible
Engines:	Gasoline :3.8 Liters (80 kW)
Wheelbase:	122.5 -139.5-inch
successor	DeSoto Power master

The DeSoto Custom was a car that Chrysler manufactured under the car brand DeSoto in the model years 1940 and post war from 1946 to 1952. At that time, the Custom was the best-equipped line in a range of body styles, including a long-wheelbase Suburban sedan chassis.

DeSotos came in two lines, DeLuxe and Custom. The latter were higher-priced models ranging from $885 to $1209. There were two wheelbases: 122.5 inches standard; and 139.5 for large sedans and the limousine. Both lines offered coupes; sedans with two and four doors; and seven-passenger, long-wheelbase sedans. A Custom convertible and a
limousine were also available. The Custom, as well as the simpler equipped Deluxe, powered by a Chrysler six-cylinder with 3808 cc displacement and side valves, the 109 bhp (80 kW) at 3600rpm.

For 1940, De Soto had an entirely new car from the previous year. The engine increased its horsepower to 100 at 3600 RPM. The fuel tank was a 1 7-gallon supply for all models. The tire size was 6:00 x 16 inches for all models but the 7-passenger Sedans required 6:50 x 16-inch tires.The wheelbase was 122.5 inches for all models except the
limousines which used the 139.5-inch wheelbase. The model designations for 1940 were DeLuxe, and Custom for the cars with more trim. All models used sealed beam headlamps for the first tilne. Red warning signals were used to tell the driver if the fuel supply, water temperature, oil pressure or electrical system required attention. The Safety Signal device on the speedometer which changed color from green to red was continued.

A total of 12 models were available for 1940. The Convertible, absent in 1939, was reintroduced in the Custom line. It was equipped with a power operated top with a push-pull control on the dashboard. The Custom Limousine for seven passengers sold for $1 , 290. The company sold 83,805 cars for the calendar year.

For 1942 the production totals as 4d sedan 7974, club coupe 2236 ,town sedan 1084,2d sedan 913 ,convertible coupe 489,business coupe 120, 7-pass. sedan 79, 7-pass. limousine 20 .

The model 1946, 1947, 1948 and 1949 custom models (1st half) had the pre-war bodies of DeSoto. In the second half of the model year 1949, a completely redesigned car appeared.

In 1950 they brought out the first station wagon. Also got the series DeSoto's first hardtop coupe, which looked almost like a convertible without the B-pillars.

The Custom lost its status as DeSoto's flagship model with the introduction of the Firedome with V8 engine in 1952. In 1953, DeSoto had the Custom and Deluxe depart; the Powermaster was then DeSoto's six-cylinder series.