1956 DeSoto Adventurer Hardtop

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Representing the top-of-the-line for De Soto in 1956, the Adventurer was offered as a limited edition, two-door hardtop, affectionately dubbed the “Golden Adventurer” among collectors. Based on the hugely popular Fireflite Sportsman Coupe, the Adventurer featured sleek lines courtesy of Virgil Exner’s spectacular, finned “Forward Look” body. De Soto paired the sleek Adventurer body with a specially modified, high-performance version of its S-24 341 cu-in Hemi breathing through dual four-barrel carburetors to help achieve a claimed top speed of 144mph. The Adventurer’s special Hemi engine was mated to a push button Powerflite automatic transmission, all underpinned by heavy-duty suspension and power brakes. Retailing for $3,728, there were a total of 996 high-end Adventurer models produced for 1956.

Highlights

• Offered from the Gateway Automobile Museum Collection

• One of 996 flagship Adventurer models built for 1956

• Specially modified, 341 cu-in Hemi V8 equipped with dual four-barrel carburetors and a Batwing air-cleaner to achieve an advertised 315-horsepower

• Finished in two-tone Jet Black with Adventurer Gold complemented by turbine style, aluminum gold anodized wheel covers, and anodized gold aluminum mesh radiator grill

• Color-coordinated interior including a white steering wheel with gold grips, seat and back bolsters in a gold metallic finish, seat cushions and back inserts in brown tweed, and black carpet with gold Mylar flecks

• Well-restored under previous ownership with an inspection revealing fully-rebuilt suspension components and a new wiring harness

• Displaying 26,000 miles at the time of cataloging, believed to be since restoration

Features

• Dual four-barrel carburetors

• Heavy-duty suspension

• Power hydraulic drum brakes

• Push button Powerflite transmission

• Power front bench seat

• Power windows

• Panoramic wrap around windscreen

• Special Adventurer medallions and badging

• Dashboard mounted clock

• Dual antennas

• BF Goodrich Silvertown tires

Known Imperfections

Please note that while all of the lots on offer in the Gateway Museum Collection are currently roadworthy, the lots will benefit from additional mechanical attention before being driven to address any imperfections associated with long-term static display or individual preferences. All lots are sold as is, where is.

Included

• Spare tire

• Jacking instructions

Ownership History

Purchased by Gateway Automobile Museum Collection in 2013 this Hemi-powered De Soto has represented one of the finest examples of Virgil Exner’s Fifties-style designs while on display.

Collection Guarantee Disclosure

Please note that as part of a larger collection to be offered at live and online auctions, the Consignor of the Gateway Collection has been guaranteed a minimum price for certain cars, including this Lot, by Broad Arrow. Depending on the final Hammer Price obtained for those Lots, Broad Arrow may benefit financially.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Car Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner for this vehicle.

Contact: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 email: donnie.gould@broadarrowgroup.com

Optional vehicle service contract available for $325. Learn more about the program here.