1951 Desoto Cars Described

1951 DESOTO CARS DESCRIBED

1951 DESOTO - GENERAL: The 1951 DeSoto S15 lineup continued with the same models as the previous year. The most noticeable of several design changes was a reshaped hood that sloped towards a flatter, broader grille. At that front, the now famous "tooth" grille debuted. This look would extend through 1955. A more massive front bumper was adopted along with rounder front fender contours. This facelift was advertised as the "New DeSoto" and referred to as a "car built for owner satisfaction". The engine was improved and enlarged to 251 CID and was fitted with a larger carburetor. Improvements and changes included: “Safety Cushion” tires, 12-inch brakes: new parking brakes, heavy-duty generator, hypoid rear axle, removable engine bearings, full-length engine water jacket, Synchromesh silent gears, roller bearing universals, "Oilite" gas filter, oil bath air cleaner and automatic choke. A wood grained dashboard was standard on all closed cars

1951 DELUXE SERIES S15-1 (6-Cylinder): DeLuxe models were trimmed like 1950 models and as before, lacked front door nomenclature and came standard with small hub caps. 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.

1951 CUSTOM SERIES S15-2 (6-Cylinder): The Custom series had the same styling as the 1949 DeLuxe models. Models in the Custom series were distinguished by the words "Custom", "Sportsman" or "Suburban" on the front fenders depending on the model. Whitewalls and full wheel covers were standard on the Sportsman and the convertible coupe. Body panel changes were the same seen on the DeLuxes, as were most regular equipment features. Standard equipment on Customs included all Deluxe model trim, plus 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. The 9-passenger Suburbans and 8-passenger Sedans continued to use the special 139.5" wheelbase chassis. Interior trim and seating varied in each of these models. 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. The Suburban Sedan had a roof mounted luggage rack as standard equipment.

MODEL/ENGINE I.D. DATA:  DeLuxe serial numbers. Cars built in Detroit had serial numbers 6269001 to 6283459. Cars built in Los Angeles had serial numbers 600011001 to 60012889. Motor numbers began with S15-1001 and were interspersed with Custom engines, as built.  Custom serial numbers. Cars built in Detroit had serial numbers 50155001 to 50230003. Cars built in Los Angeles had serial numbers 62024001 to 62032486. Motor numbers began with S15-1001 and were interspersed with Deluxe engines, as built. 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. No code numbers were provided for positive identification of body style type.

BODY PAINT CODE/COLORS:

 301 Black  305 Haze Blue  306 Ecuador Blue  307 Newport Blue  320 Foam Green  321 Juniper Green  322 Continental Green  335 Quebec Gray  336 Stone Gray  337 Gunmetal Gray  345 Arizona Beige  346 Buckskin Tan  347 Indian Brown  360 Crown Maroon  361 Holiday Red  365 Belvidere Ivory

DESOTO ENGINES:

 DeLuxe and Custom Series Standard Engine. Cast iron block. Displacement: 250.6 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.4375" x 4.5". Compression ratio: 7.0:1. Horsepower: 116 @ 3600 RPM. Torque: 209 @ 1600 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Stromberg 380359 or 380349 with M-6 transmission; Carter E9A1 all other powertrains.

CHASSIS:  Wheelbase: Long wheelbase models - 139.5". Standard wheelbase models - 125.5".  Overall length: Long wheelbase models - 223.75” Standard models - 207.0".  Overall width: All models – 73.219".  Tires: Long wheelbase cars 8.20 x 15 thereafter. Short wheelbase cars 7.60 x 15.

Continued –

POWERTRAIN OPTIONS:  DeLuxe: Three-speed manual transmission standard. "Tip Toe Hydraulic Shift" with "Gyrol Fluid Drive" was optional on DeLuxes. See NOTE.  Custom: "Tip Toe Hydraulic Shift" with "Gyrol Fluid Drive" was standard. NOTE: The number of cars built with semi-automatic transmissions was governed by rules established by the National Price Administration. The permissible NPA attachment rates varied in relation to a car's sales price bracket. In the DeSoto price class, the limit was established at 65 percent.

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS:

 Backup lights (Deluxe).  Chrome full wheel covers.  Directional signals (Deluxe).  Electric clock.  Fluid Drive (DeLuxe)  Heater.  Lighted hood ornament.  Radio.  Two-tone paint.  Whitewalls.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: On December 16, 1950, the Economic Stabilization Agency (ESA) froze prices of automobiles at the December 1 level. This freeze lasted until March 1, 1951. Due to ramp up for the war, the 1951 DeSotos were introduced on January 27, 1951.

PRODUCTION: Due to the Korean War, production for the 1951 and 1952 model years was counted as a single total, and the 1951 models would be carried into the 1952 model year. However, industry sources record that 121,794 DeSotos were built in 1951 and the various model totals have been estimated by extrapolation.

Hard data exists for these 1951 models: Custom convertibles - 3,910; Custom Sportsman hardtops 6,775; Custom station wagons - 1,637.

See attached chart for production numbers.

CAR IMAGES

The 1951 DeSoto Custom Club Coupe was a solid seller for DeSoto this year with an estimated 15,998 delivered. It was also available in the DeLuxe line, where another 5,136 were sold.

Continued –

CAR IMAGES Continued

The small restyle helped the 1951 DeSoto Custom Convertible sell 3,910 units a solid increase over 1950.

The 1951 8-Passenger Sedan was now available in both DeLuxe and Custom trim. It resulted in total sales of 936 units. (Custom shown here).

The 1951 DeSoto Sportsman looked even better that the 1950 version with the new "tooth" grille, but 116 anemic HP was not going to get it done in the V8 power hungry mid-price market. Even so, 6,775 were sold, attributable to it being the best looking DeSoto other than the convertible.

Continued –

CAR IMAGES Continued

The 1951 Suburban would set one back over $3,500 - more than some Cadillacs. No wonder only 503 were delivered.

The 1951 DeSoto Station Wagon had finally shed any vestiges of wood. While less dressy, it seemed more desirable and 1,637 were sold, more than twice 1950’s total!

The 4-door Sedan was available in both Deluxe and Custom trim. It was the brand’s biggest seller with 74,096 Customs and 11,372 DeLuxe models produced in 1951.

Continued –

CAR IMAGES Continued

The 1951 Carry-All was considered a DeLuxe, but was trimmed more like a Custom. Sales had fallen from 1950, likely due to the increased popularity of the station wagon that was more versatile in both cargo and people hauling.

CAR STYLING CHANGES FOR 1951

The only noticeable styling change was the grille – this “tooth” look would continue through 1955. The DeSoto coat of arms moved to the hood front fascia to accommodate the grille change as well.