1950 Desoto Cars Described

1950 DESOTO CARS DESCRIBED

1950 DESOTO - GENERAL: For 1950, a minor facelift on the 1950 model was advertised as the "New DeSoto" and referred to as a "car built for owner satisfaction". The rear fenders were smoothed and the tail lights were moved down to fare into the rear portion. Grille textures and ornamentation features were slightly revised. A body color vertical grille divider, unlike any previous or later DeSoto, was featured.

1950 DELUXE SERIES S14-1 (6-Cylinder): DeLuxe models were identified by a lack of nomenclature on the upper front corner of the front doors, except on Carry-Alls, which had "Carry-All" in this location on a chrome plate. Station Wagons were now Custom trimmed. 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.

1950 CUSTOM SERIES S14-2 (6-Cylinder): The Custom series had the same styling as the 1949 DeLuxe models. Identification the model "Custom" on a chrome plate in the upper front corner of the front doors of all styles except the Suburban, which said "Custom Suburban." An all-new two-door hardtop coupe was called the "Sportsman" and was identified as such on the doors. The Suburban now featured all-steel panel construction. Whitewalls and full wheel covers were standard on the Sportsman and the convertible coupe. Custom models were almost indiscernible from their 1949 counterparts. Custom models were for the most part, DeLuxes with upgraded trim and interior appointments. Model identification was on the upper rear sides of the front fenders, where "Custom" was inscribed in script. 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 long-wheelbase models, however, were distinctive offerings still built on the stretched 139.5" platform. 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 6233501 to 6262653. Cars built in Los Angeles had serial numbers 60005001 to 60009175. Taxis were numbered 5116001 to 5118350. Motor numbers began with S14-1001 and were interspersed with Custom engines, as built.  Custom serial numbers. Cars built in Detroit had serial numbers 50062001 to 50148412. Cars built in Los Angeles had serial numbers 62011501 to 62023225. Motor numbers began with S14-1001 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 Pacific Blue  306 Regal Blue  307 Midnight Blue  320 Glen Green  321 Andante Green  335 Cadet Gray  336 Silver Gray  345 Desert Tan  346 Samoa Beige  360 Royal Maroon  365 Princess Yellow

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: 7.0:1. Horsepower: 112 @ 3600 RPM. Torque: 209 @ 1600 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Fluid Drive or M-6 B-B E7L3 or B-B E7L4; Standard transmission: EX2R or EX3R.

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.

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POWERTRAIN OPTIONS:  DeLuxe: Three-speed manual transmission standard. "Tip Toe Hydraulic Shift" with "Gyrol Fluid Drive" was optional on DeLuxes.  Custom: "Tip Toe Hydraulic Shift" with "Gyrol Fluid Drive" was standard.

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: Station Wagons in the DeLuxe line were trimmed as Customs. DeSoto came in 14th in the 1950 sales race.

PRODUCTION: Total production for 1950 was 121,648 units and increase from the 94,371 produced in 1949.

See attached chart for detailed production numbers.

CAR IMAGES

The new model for 1950 was the Sportsman 2-Door Hardtop. 4,600 were delivered in the first year, a good omen for DeSoto.

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CAR IMAGES Continued

The 1950 Convertible was second only to the station wagon in price in short wheelbase DeSotos. Regardless, 2,900 were sold.

The 1950 8-passenger Sedan was for all intents and purposes a limousine. It sat on the 139.5” wheelbase. The more modern look resulted in 734 produced, more than doubling 1949’s deliveries.

The 139.5” wheelbase Suburban was the most expensive 1950 Desoto and were purchased by train and airport limousine services. For whatever reason, 623 were sold this year, 5 times 1949!

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CAR IMAGES Continued

The 1950 Custom 4-door sedan was by far the best selling DeSoto model at 72,664 units.

The 1950 DeSoto Custom 2-door Club Coupe the least expensive Custom model. Even so, only 6,100 were produced.

There were two different DeSoto station wagon models sold in 1950, an all-steel model and a wood- framed model as shown here. The wood-clad model had 600 deliveries while the all-steel version only had 100.

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CAR IMAGES Continued

The 1950 DeSoto Carry-All was sold as a DeLuxe model, but trimmed as a Custom. The fold-flat rear seats were still it’s major feature. 3,900 left the factory in that year.

The 1950 DeSoto DeLuxe Club Coupe was the least expensive DeSoto third-best seller that year, with 10,703 produced.

The 1950 DeLuxe 4-Door Sedan was reasonably priced. It was the second best-selling DeSoto with 18,489 delivered.

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CAR STYLING CHANGES FOR 1950

The two DeSoto styling changes for 1950 were the color-coordinated insert in the grille (left) and the movement of the tail lights to the middle-rear of the fender.