1951 DeSoto Custom Six Sedan

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

Out of a combination of a lifelong automotive passion and an unyielding desire to support the people of his Alabama community, the Generous Collection was born. Mr. Greg Rusk, a successful business leader in the cardboard industry, with a big heart for helping families and friends in times of need, would regularly pay overly generous fees to acquire an interesting vehicle. After decades of collecting and supporting local automotive enthusiasts, the Rusk family is ready for these vehicles, each with their own story, to write their next chapter back on the road, where they belong. 

The Generous Collection debuts with Part 1 offering over 200 cars in October, all offered without reserve, emerging from years of long-term silent storage. Many additional lots will be offered in the coming months. From the quiet shadows of the Generous Collection to the sunshine of backroads and highways, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own a piece of a generous car-collecting legacy. 

* * * 

“Drive a DeSoto before you decide.” The 1951 DeSoto Custom Six was a hallmark of postwar American automotive design, blending practicality with understated elegance. As DeSoto’s top-tier offering for the year, the Custom Six featured a robust 250.6 cubic-inch L-head inline six-cylinder engine producing 116 horsepower, paired with Chrysler’s innovative Tip-Toe Shift Fluid Drive semi-automatic transmission. This setup offered smoother driving and reduced clutch wear, appealing to middle-class buyers seeking comfort and reliability. 

Stylistically, the 1951 model retained the rounded, bulbous lines of the late ’40s but introduced subtle refinements, including a more prominent grille and updated trim. Interiors were well-appointed for the era, with full carpeting, quality upholstery, and optional features like a push-button radio and electric clock. 

Built on a 125.5-inch wheelbase, the Custom Six provided a spacious ride, especially in its popular four-door sedan configuration. It was manufactured primarily in Detroit. 

Though overshadowed by flashier competitors, the 1951 DeSoto Custom Six earned a reputation for durability and value. It marked the final full year before DeSoto introduced the more powerful Firedome V8 in 1952.

Highlights 

• Offered from The Generous Collection 

• Refinished in dark brown metallic paint with light brown metallic top 

• Powered by a 250.6 cu-in L-head inline-six engine rated at 116 hp 

• Tip-Toe Shift semi-automatic transmission 

• The data plate decodes as: 

  • Body: 25 – 4-door sedan 

  • Paint: 370 – Sahara Tan 

  • Trim: 222 – Tan broadcloth with contrasting vinyl panels 

• The chassis number (50176154) decodes as: 

  • From 50155001 to 50230003 for 1951 Custom models 

Features 

• Hernando De Soto hood ornament 

• Redesigned front fenders and hood nose 

• Larger bumpers and guards 

• Iconic “toothy” grille introduced in 1951 

• Split windshield 

• Bench seats 

• Faux woodgrain finish on dashboard 

• Front independent coil springs, rear semi-elliptic leaf springs 

• Hydraulic drum brakes 

• Steel wheels with full factory covers 

• BFGoodrich Silvertown 7.60-15 wide whitewall tires 

Known Imperfections 

• While reasonable efforts were made during preparation for the sale, due to the volume of cars in this collection it was not possible to diagnose or detect all imperfections present in the cars. 

• Paint chips, scuffs, and scrapes 

• Rust inside rear bumper guards 

• Pitting on chrome 

• Steering wheel is cracked 

• Clock is inoperable 

• Seat upholstery is torn and missing padding in multiple places (including top of rear seats) 

Included 

• Spare tire and jack 

• Keys 

• Owner’s manual, shop manual, and Owner’s Service Certificate 

• Original air filter cover and box of parts 

• Framed photo of the car with camper 

• Multiple show trophies 

Ownership History

This 1951 DeSoto Custom Six Sedan is offered from The Generous Collection of no reserve automobiles. 

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.  

Contact: William Cooper  Phone: 469.463.4542  email: wcooper@hagerty.com 

Alabama Sales Tax Notice to Bidders: Because this car is located in Alabama, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama state sales taxes of up to 2% of the purchase amount, even if the buyer plans to register the car outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer is located in AZ, CA, FL, IN, MA, MI, or SC (capped at $500 in SC), and (b) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives the car or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer). Additionally, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama county or city taxes from buyers located outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer), and (b) the buyer fails to provide an executed Drive-Out Certificate for Nonresidents. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Alabama that are sold to residents of another state.  

Please note that all lots in The Generous Collection are offered after many years of storage, without operation or service, in warehouse facilities. The seller endeavored to provide limited mechanical servicing to bring some cars back to running potential, however, not all cars will be running at time of sale. Because of the extended static display, it must be assumed that all cars will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely and, in most cases, cleaning to both the interiors and exteriors. All the cars will have imperfections associated with long-term static storage and require extensive sorting to perform best and safely. The burden of determining a car’s status, both mechanical and cosmetic, rests fully on the bidder, prior to bidding and the close of the auction. All lots are sold as is, where is. 

Additionally, due to the location of the collection and limited access to the facility following the close of the auction, all lots must be retrieved while a Hagerty Marketplace representative is onsite beginning Monday, November 3 through Wednesday, November 19. No cars can be retrieved prior to November 3 and any lots remaining after November 19 will be re-located outside in the parking lot for retrieval by their buyers.