1948 Desoto Cars Described

1948 DESOTO CARS DESCRIBED

1948 DESOTO - GENERAL: Minimal change marked the DeSoto S-11 models built in the 1948 production run, though a steep price increase and decreases in weights were documented. Low-pressure tires were adopted and stainless steel wheel beauty rings were added once the use of white plastic 'whitewalls' were no longer offered. Cars built after December 1, 1948 were officially considered as 1949 models, although the only difference over previous offerings was the serial numbers used.

1948 DELUXE SERIES S11-S (6-Cylinder): Identification of the DeLuxe models was provided by the "DeLuxe" nameplates found on the sides of the hood. Standard equipment on DeLuxes included dual sun visors, dual two-speed electric wipers, directional signals with parking brake light, cigar lighter, stainless steel trim rings, illuminated glove box with lock, dual outside door locks, map light, counter balanced luggage compartment lid, illuminated luggage compartment, right and left front door arm rests, interior door locks and bumper guards front and rear.

1948 CUSTOM SERIES S11-C (6-Cylinder): There were virtually no differences, externally, between 1946-1947 DeSoto Custom models and their 1948 counterparts. Low-pressure tires were adopted for standard wheelbase models only. Custom models were indiscernible from their 1946 counterparts. Custom models were for the most part, DeLuxes with upgraded trim and interior appointments. Just like 1947, Custom models were identified by the "Custom" nameplates on the sides of the hood. Standard equipment on Customs included plastic steering wheel, foam rubber seat cushions and tailored front carpets. Three colors of broadcloth upholstery were available: green, blue and tan. The convertible coupe had Bedford cord and leather in various colors. As in 1947, 9-passenger Suburbans, 7-passenger Sedans and Limousines sat on the special 139.5" wheelbase chassis. The front compartment was equipped with tailored carpets and chrome plated window sashes. Front seat cushions included a foam rubber pad. Interior trim and seating varied in each of these models.

MODEL/ENGINE I.D. DATA:

 DeLuxe serial numbers. DeLuxe serial numbers were from 6190370 to 6205975. Effective December 1, 1948, Detroit-built DeLuxes with serial numbers 6205976 to 6209494 were considered 1949 models for purposes of registration only.  Custom serial numbers. Custom Serial numbers ran from 5885816 to 5948452 for cars built in Detroit and from. 62001001 to 62001894 for cars built in Los Angeles. Effective December 1, 1948, Customs were considered 1949 models for purposes of registration only. Serial number codes were on the left front door hinge pillar post. Motor numbers were located on the left side of the block below cylinder head between first and second cylinders.

BODY PAINT CODE/COLORS:

 223 Lullaby Blue  225 Lullaby Blue Dark  324 Gypsy Green  608 Air Cruiser Red  610 Squad Red  803 Panama Sand  103/104 Black  305/206 Windward Green  308/309 Orinoco Green  311/312 Forest Green  505/506 Opal Gray  605/606 Military Maroon  205/206/207 Patrol Blue  209/210/211 La Plata Blue  403/404/412 Stone Beige  508/509/510 Fortress Gray

DESOTO ENGINES:

 DeLuxe and Custom Series Standard Engine. Cast iron block. Displacement: 236.7 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.438" x 4.25". Compression ratio: 6.6:1. Horsepower: 109 @ 3600 RPM. Torque: 200 @ 1600 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetors: 1-barrel Ball and Ball ELI or EX3R.

CHASSIS:

 Wheelbase: Long wheelbase models - 139.5". Standard wheelbase models - 121.5".  Overall length: Long wheelbase models - 225.25” Standard models - 207.25".  Overall width: All models – 78.625".  Tires: Long wheelbase cars 6.50 x 16 until car number 5802797, 7.00 x 15 thereafter. Short wheelbase cars 7.00 x 15. Whitewalls were available.

POWERTRAIN OPTIONS:

 DeLuxe: Three-speed manual transmission standard with Fluid Drive optional.  Custom: "Fluid Drive" with "Tip Toe Shift" four-speed was standard.

Continued –

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS:

 Cigar Lighter  Fluid Drive (Optional DeLuxe)  Heater  Heater/Defroster  Tip Toe Shift (Optional DeLuxe)

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Effective December 1, 1948, DeLuxe and Custom models were considered 1949 models for purposes of registration only.

PRODUCTION: Production totals for 1946, 1948, 1948 and early (first-series) 1949 models were recorded as a single total, with no model year breakout available. The totals shown have been extrapolated by a review of serial numbers. Serial numbers are recommended to differentiate between model years.

See the attached chart for the estimated model breakout.

CAR IMAGES

The 1948 DeSoto Custom Seven Passenger Sedan sat on the 139.5" long wheelbase. The Limousine and Suburban were identical except for interior trim.

Continued –

CAR IMAGES Continued

The 1948 DeSoto Convertible was only available in the Custom line.

The 1948 DeSoto 4-Door Sedan was quite similar to the Seven Passenger except it rode on the shorter 121.5" wheelbase. It was identical to the Deluxe except for trim.

The 1948 DeSoto Custom Brougham was a semi-fastback. This was identical to the Deluxe model except for trim. and where it was called merely "2-door sedan".

Continued –

CAR IMAGES Continued

The 1948 DeSoto Custom Club Coupe. This was identical to the Deluxe except for trim.

The 1948 DeSoto 3-Passenger Coupe was only available in that line.