1946 Desoto Cars Described

1946 DESOTO CARS DESCRIBED

1946 DESOTO - GENERAL: The first postwar DeSoto models were based on the short-lived 1942 line. Major changes included new hoods, grilles, wraparound bumpers, front fenders that blended into the doors and redesigned rear fenders. There were additional changes in exterior trim and interior design. Burl and grain garnish moldings, large full vision steering wheels and chrome trim and fine appointments were seen. The hidden headlamps of 1942 were not carried over. The body structure was all-steel, a longtime Chrysler Corporation characteristic. Separate chassis/frame construction was used. Body insulation included the interior structure of the body, roof, side panels, floor, cowl and trunk. Improvements over the '42 models were "Safe Guard" hydraulic brakes and a permanent "Oilite" fuel tank filter. Rustproofing now protected even the interior structure of the body. Inside, an interesting feature was a speedometer that changed colors in increments: green to 39 mph, amber to 50 mph and red at higher speeds.

1946 DELUXE SERIES S11-S (6-Cylinder): 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.

1946 CUSTOM SERIES S11-C (6-Cylinder): The Custom represented an upgraded, high-line version of the DeLuxe. Custom models were identified by the nameplates on the sides of the hood. The front compartment was equipped with tailored carpets and chrome plated window sashes. Front seat cushions included a foam rubber pad. Standard equipment on Customs included white plastic trim rings prior to introduction of white sidewall tires late in the year, 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. A 9-passenger Suburban (taxi) was added to the Custom line in November, 1946. "Delon" plastic upholstery was featured. Wagons, 7-passenger Sedans and Limousines sat on a special 139.5" wheelbase chassis. Interior trim and seating varied in each of these models.

MODEL/ENGINE I.D. DATA:

 DeLuxe serial numbers. DeLuxe serial numbers ran from 6150001 to 6172862. Taxi serial were from 5102501 to 5105413. Engine numbers ran from S11-1001 and were interspersed with Custom numbers, sequentially as engines were built.  Custom serial numbers. Custom Serial numbers ran from 5784001 to 5825784. Engine numbers started with M5383-100001. Engine numbers ran from S11-1001 and were interspersed with DeLuxe numbers, sequentially as engines were built. Early 1946 cars had serial number codes on right front door hinge pillar post. After March, 1946 on 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:

 213/214 Carmel Blue  216/217 Monterey Blue  314/315 Gem Green  317/318 Zircon Green  406/407 Bermuda Beige  409/410 Hawaiian Tan  512/514 Pearl Gray  516/517 Gunmetal

DESOTO ENGINES:

 DeLuxe and Custom Series Standard Engine. L-head six-cylinder. 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 tires until car number 5802797, then - 7.00 x 15. Short wheelbase cars - 6.50 x 15 tires. Whitewalls were not available in 1946.

POWERTRAIN OPTIONS:

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

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SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS:

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

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: The first postwar DeSoto models were based on the short-lived 1942 line and hidden headlights were not carried over.

PRODUCTION: Production totals for 1946, 1947, 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 1946 DeSoto Convertibles were only available in the Custom line.

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CAR IMAGES Continued

The 1946 DeSoto Custom Seven Passenger Sedan sat on the 139.5" long wheelbase. The Limousine was identical except for interior trim.

The 1946 DeSoto 4-Door Sedan was quite similar to the Seven Passenger except that it rode on the shorter 121.5" wheelbase. This was identical to the Deluxe except for trim.

The 1946 DeSoto Brougham was a semi-fastback. This Custom model was identical to the Deluxe model except for trim. and where it was called merely "2-door sedan".

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CAR IMAGES Continued

The 1946 DeSoto Custom Club Coupe. The exterior was identical to the Deluxe model except for interior trim.

The 1946 DeSoto 3-Passenger Coupe was only available in the Custom line.