Saleofcar.com :DeSoto

DeSoto Two door (1950)
for sale

Price: US $10,000.00

Description:

1950 Desoto (Deluxe 2 door Coupe)- Light grey factory color.
Want to be a little different and stand out?
The Desoto car brand was ended around 1960. It was Chrysler’s mid- range car just a notch above the Dodge and right below the Chrysler although it appears to have shared some parts with the other makes. Parts are fairly available on Ebay for just about anything you may want to do with this car- repair or modify.
This car was purchased from the son of a father’s estate in Florida 7 years ago for $8, 500. It has been driven less than 100 miles since then. And, the motor was rebuilt and detailed in 2013.
The 1950 Desoto coupe is a stylish 2-door 5 passenger vehicle (as kids we rode six) with an eye catching body style- a lot of chrome. It has solid metal and the seam on the hood and trunk are perfect. It is no hot rod, but would convert to an excellent “rat” rod (if the in line six cylinder 110 HP flat head was replaced by a hemi and the body was lowered)- enough of that talk!
This Desoto is bone stock with a fluid drive transmission that requires a clutch to get in gear, but drives like an automatic once in gear. I bought a similar car in 1958 and my friends and I put many enjoyable miles on that car and it seemed indestructible, like a tank, as it bore my teen abuse for several years. That was 1958 and the Pennsylvania winters quickly eroded the body and I did what I could, but it ended its days in a local junk yard.
This 1950 is a southern car and is in wonderful condition, but does need a little attention that I am no longer able to provide. Here are the good points and problems I noted with estimated repair costs-
Now for the good points-
1. The car has an excellent interior that closely matches the original including headliner, visor, doors and back seat- replaced 1999 for $3, 959. There are no water stains or wear- looks brand new, I have installation receipt.
2. The car has a nice set of Desoto hubcaps with the Desoto carefully painted in red- no dents or rubs.
3. The tires are brand new Coker 3 and ¼ inch whitewalls- not radials $704 + $82 install.
4. The engine was recently rebuilt with under 100 miles on rebuild- $3, 000- the engine runs quiet with no noise.
5. All chrome is decent on car with correct hood and trunk ornament.
6. The trunk is original metal with no rust
7. The engine compartment is clean original- not detailed, but looks very nice- see picture.
8. The paint on the car is a good 10 footer- excellent driver quality- no dents or scrapes.
9. The body has a respectable look and could be driven 10 or more years as is- not show, but definitely not junk! Paint is 8 years old estimate.
10. A fair amount of documentation is available showing work done to car backing up these dollar amounts.
11. A new correct large 6 volt battery was just installed- car starts easy and is very quiet for 65 years old.
12. The starter was removed and checked out as OK by a man who has been in the business for 50 years,
13. No broken windows and appears to be mostly original glass with mild bubbling.
14. Floorboards are solid
15. The steering wheel is respectable with some small cracks and pitting on horn rim.
16. Brakes are relined and radiator serviced.
17. Visors and headliner are perfect with no staining or wear.
18. The tail lights have the blue reflectors.
Small items needing attention-
1. The seat positioning handle broke off- could be welded or replaced-plenty of parts available on Ebay- $50.
2. The driver’s side door does gaps slightly and the handle droops- passenger side is perfect $150. The passenger door closes like a Mercedes. A new OEM door handle goes with the car.
3. There are some small bubbling on driver’s side door bottom $300.
4. The pot metal chrome is lightly pitted, but all there $1, 000.
5. The bumpers have some bumps, but could easily be straightened- luster is OK, but re-chroming would be better $1, 000.
6. The dash is a bit weathered, but is all there including radio that does not work-$400. I suspect it is the old tube type.
7. The glove compartment insides are missing- $50.
8. The wing windows need new locks- $100
9. The stainless at the car bottom on both sides needs minor straightening.
10. There is carpet in the front seat area- originally was a black rubber mat.
The book lists these cars around $18, 000 in top condition. To avoid tire kickers, I have put a dollar repair value on the visible defects one would discover during a careful walk around of this car. They total is around $3, 000 give or take a hundred or so. That would put the vehicle at just under $15 thousand. To avoid any errors in my estimates, I am willing to sell this car for $14, 000 (negotiable) my buy it now and reserve price- as is where is- you are free to call me 412 872 4092 if you have any questions or would like to see car.
You may note that by subtracting the price of the upholstery, new tires and engine rebuild- you arrive at a price around $6 thousand or the price many 1950 Junkers are selling for- this is no Junker! In its day, it competed favorably with the 50 Mercury, 50 Olds and 50 Buick and Pontiac- and, still draws a crowd and turns heads down the street.
Please no tire kickers- I have owned 3 1950 Desoto’s and this is my best one. The car speaks for itself- and, is better than the one I first owned in 1958. I am selling this car to make room in my garage- I have always kept the car garaged and I suspect the previous owners did too. The reserve is reasonable for a car this age and condition.
I am not a dealer, but I sell one or two cars on consignment each year. This is the perfect car to enter the collector car hobby. Every problem I listed is an easy fix. This car presents itself as a very nice driver and I believe would show very well at local car shows.
I have priced the car fairly and have disclosed everything I know about the car- as always- it sells as is where is with no warrantee stated or implied- you are free to call me to schedule an inspection 412 872 4092. Buyer is responsible for transportation and pickup. Pickup must be done when payment is received or within 14 days of payment. There is a $500 deposit due 48 hours after the winning bid with the remainder due in 7 days by bank cashiers check or cash. Good luck bidding!

_{update: 2015-08-09}