1956 DeSoto Adventurer

1956 DeSoto Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

50383417

Gasoline

1956 DeSoto Adventurer - Rare car in a rare color scheme, needing complete restoration. I purchased this car, on what started out to be a quest for its engine for my late brother. Undecided whether to undertake the restoration project, I'm offering it up for auction. The vehicle came from a collection of Mr. Don Petty's, a cousin to some guy named Richard. Don stored it in his facility (here in Phoenix) for fifteen years, prior to which it was stored in a Mopar dealership's yard in California for about the same period of time. After I purchased the car in early 2003, it spent another three years in the Arizona sun, but the last five in my garage. To my knowlege, it's always lived in the west. The car has not run since it was parked by Don, 23 years ago, hasn't been registered since well before then. Please analyze the photographs closely. Only 24 photos can be posted. I have many more, which can be sent to those interested via electronic means. I want any new owner to know exactly what they're getting. If you have knowlege of this particular model, you know it has a very interesting Chrysler history; there were only 963 produced. Don estimated at the time of my purchase, fewer than 50 remained. The car is complete, except for the spare tire and jack, windshield wipers, fender antennae. It has the two-speed powerflight transmission. I have a torqueflight transmission (three-speed) and push-button selector, which will go with it. All of the stainless and chrome trim I have - I'm missing the windshield visor center piece, however. I'm including a full set of 1956 Adventurer wheel covers, restored by Hubcap Kimbo in 2003. Three of the four wheel covers are excellent; the fourth is very good. The odometer reading is unreliable - actual mileage unknown. The tires are merely used rollers. The interior is, essentially, gone - destroyed by the Arizona sun. The fabric and leather panels remain, but the stitching has dry-rotted. The stuffing and foam are dried and crispy. The seat frames are solid. The engine (341 Hemi/325HP, S24A) is complete, from the oil pan to the batwing air cleaner, and turns freely. The diasappointment is the front floorpan. Water found its way through cracks in the undercoating, and rusted the floorpan over the years it sat outdoors. Another floorpan is provided, which has ample good material for the passenger side. More material will be needed for the driver side. I have chipped away sample patches of undercoating from the underside, revealing clean paint in most areas, surface rust in others. The photos illustrate minor rust areas in the fenders. Patch panels for the rear lower fenders are included. The door sills and rocker panel areas are solid. The passenger door was sprung; I have another from a '56 Chrylser, included. I have emphasized the flaws in an effort to be totally forthcoming. This 55 year-old, classic, high-performance Mopar is, overall, very well structurally preserved and perfect for a straight-forward restoration. A restored, gold and black '56 Adventurer sold for $143,000 last month at Barrett-Jackson. Cost to restore this car ? Unknown. Depending upon who does the work, i.e., how much is done by one's own skilled hands and how much is farmed-out, the cost could be significant. This is a re-listing. I made a mistake editing the original, during which my reserve price was deleted. I had to cancel a bid from an interested person - I sincerely apologize. Thanks for your interest! On Feb-07-11 at 09:20:25 PST, seller added the following information: On Feb-09-11 at 10:30:08 PST, seller added the following information: I have inventoried the trim and found the car is missing the following: Windshield visor cap, windshield left and right side mouldings, rear window belt cap, right quarter panel lower moulding.On Feb-09-11 at 10:38:25 PST, seller added the following information: On Feb 7, I attempted to revise the description with the following: The interior/seat materials are fabric and vinyl, not fabric and leather.On Feb-11-11 at 19:40:42 PST, seller added the following information: A more comprehensive collection of photographs can be viewed at www.triventures.org.On Feb-11-11 at 20:44:58 PST, seller added the following information: Correction: 996 of this model were produced in 1956.On Feb-12-11 at 11:31:54 PST, seller added the following information: Regarding missing trim: I have located the windshield visor cap, the windshield left and right mouldings, and the wiper arms with blade holders. Additionally, the car is shown without door handles; I have those. I also have the steering wheel horn ring and center cap.