1956 DeSoto

Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

Clear

Gasoline

This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to own an unrestored American legend. One of the rarest modern-era vehicles made, this 1956 DeSoto Pace Car has 85,000 miles, a working pushbutton automatic, and a real Chrysler hemi under the hood. In storage for over 35 years, this classic starts, runs and drives like a dream with many of the options first available in 1956 including a Wonderbar radio (now called "seek"), an electronic clock in the steering wheel, special gold-threaded upholstery, special gold-plated real wire wheels, working convertible top and provenance back to the mid-1960's. Original production of this vehicle was estimated at less than 100, and this magnificent model is 1 of an estimated 25 remaining Pace Cars, possibly the only unrestored, blemish-free original Pace Car left. The car has some very minor mechanical issues and a few paint bubbles, but after 55 years it is in remarkably pristine condition. On a scale of 1-10 the vehicle would probably be about an 8 as it sits today. I am selling the vehicle for the owner who is my retired next door neighbor and all information provided is as he remembers. I have driven the car 3 weeks ago and can attest to the accurate mechanical condition. Equipment includes a push button control Powerflite automatic, power steering, power seat, power windows, power brakes, windshield washers and electric clock. On top of these, the Adventurer delivered a custom interior with padded dash, dual rear view mirrors and dual radio antennas atop the finsOn Sep-10-11 at 17:47:01 PDT, seller added the following information: In answer to the many, many, many questions on the car: 1. Car is in metropolitan Louisville, Kentucky, just across the river in Southern Indiana and can be viewed or inspected at any time. The owner is elderly and will need some advance notice for us to get the car out. He bought the car at an estate auction many years ago. 2. To the owner's knowledge dating back to the mid-60's the car has never been painted, modified or touched up. As mentioned there are a few paint bubbles, blemishes, etc as expected for a 55 year old un-restored vehicle. 3. Mechanical issues, as mentioned, are very minor-right rear wheel cylinder appears to be leaking, car starts very easily but must be primed 2 or 3 times at first, then runs like a dream. Power windows and convertible top are in perfect working condition. 4. Provenance includes a driver's pin for the 1956 Indy 500, a belt badge for entry to the pits, paperwork and trophies dating back 30 years, copy of cancelled check where it was bought for $650 in 1965 along with 4 other cars, and tracing to original owner. 5. Reserve will not be disclosed but we believe it is quite reasonable. On Sep-14-11 at 14:10:12 PDT, seller added the following information: Additional information When I listed the vehicle I assumed 3 minor options that were wrong. These are: these cars did not come with dual rearview mirrors, just 1 mirror; 2nd the car does not have air conditioning or power seats. I will answer as many questions as possible Saturday as I am traveling through Thursday night