Anyone hoping to get their hands on a classic car these days probably wonders what's going on with the market given the current pandemic struggles that have resulted in calendar mainstays like the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance being canceled. Meanwhile, the rising tide of restomods has proven that modern mechanics can marry old-fashioned style with new-age performance—although the best of the best also cost a pretty penny. But few cars on the market today, either new or classic cars in restored condition, can hope to live up to the timeless class of this 1959 DeSota Adventurer convertible that's just been listed for auction by Barrett-Jackson.
A Forgotten Marque
DeSoto as a brand was another project of Walter P. Chrysler, who founded the marque in 1928 with the goal of building cars that were simultaneously affordable for all but stylish enough to seem exclusive. The Adventurer would serve as DeSoto's cream-of-the-crop model following its introduction for the 1956 model year, though 1959 enhancements to the long lines and angular fins would help to epitomize designer Virgil Exner's "Forward Look" ethos.
Fit For A King
The car in question here will be sold with no reserve at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale, Arizona, auction currently slated for January 16-23, 2021. It's been nicknamed "Alan" after a founding member of the International DeSoto Club, Alan Ralston. A feature article on Barrett-Jackson's website claims it's been "Meticulously restored" to ensure that all the amenities including Sports Swivel Seats (a Chrysler patent), a search-tune radio with foot control, and a dimming MirrorMatic rearview mirror, not to mention power windows.
Under The Hood
Motivation for this land yacht comes in the form of a 383ci V8 that was rated at 350 horsepower when new thanks to dual-quad carburetors and dual exhaust. That grunt is routed to the rear end through a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic gearbox operated via push-button controls. One of only 97 built in this spec in 1959, this DeSoto should find a new home in the beginning of the new year.
Sources: barrett-jackson.com and hagerty.com.