1938 DeSoto

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Gasoline

This is a 1938 Desoto with a coachbuilt hand crafted body by J.T. Cantrell & Co. of Hunington, N.Y. Quite certain we are this is the only one of its kind in the world. There is enough of the original wood here for patterns to recreate this car as it once was. Provided the rebuilder was also one creative enough to re-create that which is lost and not here. Missing are most of both front doors, the tailgate and the pasenger side framing (driver side framing is here). This body was made of Mahogony with birch plywood inserts that had a red stain to harmonize with the framing, the floor was of Southern Yellow Pine. Note the curvetuer in the liftgate, there is also curve at the top of the rear doors, which would have followed along the entire side of the car, and please notice the rear posts have that concave curve (common to some late 30's woodies) making for a very attractive look. When I bought this car recently the owner also had, and owned the perfect 38 Desoto 4 door sedan with overdrive, radio & heater in great condition 'doner car' to go with. But for sentimental reasons could not bring himself to sell it to me, as it had been his dads first car. Shortly thereafter he moved away and abandened the sedan... his landloard had the car towed off, the towing company is in the process of becoming its legal owner, and they say they will sell the car for $2,500.00 when they become its owner. I have purchased on ebay... 3 nos headlight lens, 1 nos headlight switch, dealer brochure. Also I no longer have my shop or the money and time to restore these classics. I can be reached at 530-388-8950 Alan Vivanco