1956 DeSoto DeSoto

Adventurer Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

50383989

Clear

Gasoline

Up for auction is my 1956 Desoto Adventurer. It is one of 996 ever produced, and 1 of less than 50 examples left. Of that number, less than half are in this condition or better. Just recently, at the 2011 Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson Auction, a “concourse” restored 1956 Adventurer sold for $154,000.00. More recently, a 1956 Adventurer, requiring a complete restoration, sold on eBay for $18,000.00. I would think that this particular car would fall somewhere in between. The price I am looking for is way less than half of the Barrett-Jackson example. The reserve is low as I would like for this vehicle to go to a new owner, perhaps one with a collection that can care for it. I am the 3rd owner of this vehicle. This particular Adventurer is in the White/Black color scheme which was one of the 6 offered color combinations. I purchased this vehicle in October of 1992 and did a complete, frame-up restoration that was concluded in March of 1995. It has won numerous car shows, including a First Place Award at the 1995 Desoto National Convention. This car also appeared in the October 1996 edition of “Collectible Auto” magazine in an article spot-lighting the 1956-61 Adventurers. It has always been garaged since the restoration and has had limited exposure to the weather ever since. The car has faded somewhat, however, it still shows well. I’d rate it a low #1 or a very high #2 now. In its current condition, it has the appearance of a well preserved original auto. I mention this because this car may require some small work to restore it to its previous 100 point status, or its new owner may opt to just drive and show “as is”. The car starts and runs with no smoking, and the transmission shifts fine. A little history on this particular car: This vehicle has been authenticated by the National Desoto Club as “The Real McCoy”. This vehicle lived in obscurity until 1981 when the second owner participated in a “VIN Plate” operation that was done by the National Desoto Club to determine vehicle types, model and trim options. The owner was concerned, because of the color combination, that there was the probability his car was not truly an Adventurer, as all of the publications he read previously did not mention his color combination. In January of 1956, the Desoto Division announced its new addition, The Adventurer, and touted it to be a “limited production” hardtop. It was to be offered in 6 color combinations of White/Gold, Black/Gold and White/Black with the reverse of these combinations as the other 3 offerings. (I have a copy of that “Bulletin” dated January 13th, 1956 which I can include with the car.) Yet prior to 1981, all publications listed only the White/Gold, Gold/White, Black/Gold and Gold/Black combinations as the only ones these cars were “actually” produced in. The White/Black-Black/White offerings were thought to have been “scrapped” at production time as all 1956 Chrysler Division “Hot Rods” had gold in their colors. The only exception was the 300 which was produced in White, Red or Black solid body colors only. All Chrysler Division “Hot Rods” had gold painted engines. The Adventurer was labeled as the “Golden Adventurer” because of its excessive use of gold, not only in the paint, but in the interior and exterior trim as well. I’ve digressed enough, now back to this vehicle. Since this one turned up, publications were forced to revamp any previous notions regarding this color scheme. Additionally, since then, 2 Adventurers in the Black/White combinations have emerged. This is the ONLY documented White/Black one left, however, making this rare car even more “rarer”. This Adventurer has power steering, automatic transmission, power seat, Signal Seek radio and “Highway Hi-Fi” record player complete with 4 records. It does not have power windows. It has a restored gold interior with the correct “brown tweed” cloth inserts. (I have about 2 yards left of this material that will go with this car.) It has the rest of the “goodies” associated with the Adventurer. A 341 c.i. Hemi rated at 320 hp, gold anodized aluminum grille and turbine wheel-covers, gold “Adventurer” scripts on the quarter panels, “Forward-Look” emblems with checkered inserts and the “Checkered” hood scoop medallion associated only with the Adventurer and Pace Car. This car is being offered for sale locally so I will reserve the right to end the auction early. The winner will need to pay a $500.00 deposit upon close of the auction and will need to pay the rest in certified funds within 7 days after. For safety sake, I would recommend that this vehicle be trailered to its new destination as it is terribly difficult to find replacement trim parts for this car should the “worse” happen while driving it. There is no warranty on this car; it is being sold “as is”. Good luck in your bidding!