DeSoto Six
Series K/CK/SA/SC/SD/SE/SF/S-1/S-3/S-5/S-6/S-7/S-8 | |
---|---|
DeSoto I6 | |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 109.75 in (2,788 mm) 118 in (2,997 mm) (1935-36)[1] |
Chronology | |
Successor | DeSoto Series S-10 |
The DeSoto Six was first introduced in 1929 and was badge engineered from the 1929 Chrysler Six Series 62 with the same 109.75 in (2,788 mm) wheelbase, while it offered a smaller 174.9 cu in (2.9 L) Chrysler I6 with an overall length of 169 in (4,293 mm). It was offered in four two-door sedan configurations and three four-door sedan body styles. It used the Series K designation for two years then was updated to the Series CK in mid-1930.[2]
1929-1933
The DeSoto Six Series K was introduced August 4, 1928 as a 1929 model. It was a
1935-1936
The Desoto Series SF Airstream is an
The Airstream was the modernized DeSoto Six Series SD, and was offered to recapture market share lost during the 1934 season when DeSoto only offered the Airflow. In 1935, there were 20,784 Airstream cars sold, as compared to 6,797 Airflow models.
Body styles for 1935 included 2-door business coupe, convertible coupe, roadster coupe, 5-passenger coupe and trunkback sedan. Four-door offerings included a base sedan and a trunkback sedan. The cars featured Chrysler's vaunted “Floating Power” rubber engine mounts which isolated engine vibration from the chassis. Optional features included carpeting for the front seat area, radio, twin windshield wipers and a heater. Airstreams were priced about $200 less ($4,445 in 2023 dollars [4]) than the DeSoto Airflow. That, plus the more traditional styling, made the car a success.[2]
In 1936 the Airstream was split into two trim levels while being the same Series S-1, Deluxe and Custom. Deluxe models had one piece windshields while Customs (exp. the convertible) had two piece units which were quickly becoming the industry standard. The senior series also gained a Custom Traveler model, built on a stretched 130" wheelbase. Custom Travelers were popular with limousine conversion companies and marked the beginning of DeSoto's long standing, and profitable relationship with the
For 1936 total sales improved to 38,938 units, of which the Airstream accounted for 33,938 units compared to the reduced Airflow offerings with returned 5,000 units for the Airflow's final year.
See also
- DeSoto Airflow
- Chrysler Airstream
- Fahlin SF-2 Plymocoupe aircraft made from 1935 Plymouth coupe
References
- ^ "Directory Index: DeSoto/1936_DeSoto/1936_DeSoto_Airstream_Folder". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-05-31.
- ^ ISBN 0-87341-478-0.
- ^ "1929 DeSoto Six". Old Car Brochures. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
- ^ a b c d e 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ The Complete History of the Chrysler Corporation 1924 - 1985, Beekman House, 1985, pg. 79.
- ^ Riding the roller coaster: a history of the Chrysler Corporation, Charles K. Hyde, Wayne State University Press, 2003, pg. 98.
- ^ a b "Directory Index: DeSoto/1936_DeSoto/1936_DeSoto_Airstream_Folder". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2011-11-08.