Title: DeSoto (automobile) - Dodge Wiki
Headings: DeSoto (automobile)
DeSoto (automobile)
Contents
1929–1942
Gallery
1946–1960
Gallery
1961
Termination factors
Recession
Dealer networks
Brand management and marketing
"The Final DeSoto"
DeSoto trucks
Models
Advertising
DeSoto in films
DeSoto in pop culture
See also
References
External links

Content: The 1958 economic downturn hurt sales of mid-priced makes across the board, and DeSoto sales were 60 percent lower than those of 1957 in what would be DeSoto's worst year since 1938. The sales slide continued for 1959 and 1960, and rumors began to circulate that DeSoto was going to be discontinued. 1960 saw sales down 40 percent from the already low 1959 figures. Gallery
1946 Chrysler DeSoto
1946 De Soto Series S11C Custom Club Coupé Convertible
1947 De Soto Coupé 1947
De Soto Club Coupe 1947
1948 De Soto De Luxe Business Coupé
De Soto De Luxe Coupe 5W 1948
De Soto Custom 4-Door Sedan 1949
Late '40s DeSoto with Fluid Drive
1953 DeSoto model brochure
1954 DeSoto sedan
1956 De Soto Firedome 2-door hardtop
1959 De Soto Coupe
1961
In its final model year, DeSoto lacked any model names and was simply marketed under its brand name. By the time the 1961 DeSoto was introduced in the fall of 1960, rumors were widespread that Chrysler was moving towards terminating the brand, fueled by a reduction in model offerings for the 1960 model year. For 1961, DeSoto lost its series designations entirely, in a move reminiscent of Packard's final lineup. And, like the final Packards, the final DeSoto was of questionable design merit. Again, based on the shorter Chrysler Windsor wheelbase, the DeSoto featured a two-tiered grille (each tier with a different texture) and revised taillights. Only a two-door hardtop and a four-door hardtop were offered. The cars were trimmed similarly to the 1960 Fireflite.