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1940 DeSoto

Custom Series S7C Convertible Coupe

Offered At

$57,500

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Figure based on a stock vehicle with OH rates with $100/$300k Liability/UM/UIM limits. Rates vary depending on the state, coverage selected and other factors. Policies underwritten by Essentia Insurance Company. Some coverage and discounts not available in all states. Call 877-922-9701 to speak with a representative or apply online. $276 /YEAR Insurance
Body Color
Black
Stock
4583
Engine Size
228.1ci I6
Transmission Type
3 Speed Manual W/ Overdrive
Vin
S729786
Miles
3,401
Drivetrain
RWD

1940 DeSoto Custom Series S7C Convertible Coupe

1940 DeSoto Custom Series S7C Convertible Coupe 

“The key to my smart new DeSoto convertible is it unlocks the biggest thrill of my life.  Driving with the top down relaxed on the smart Oxblood red seat I feel just like a Paris Creation!  And praise be, the top is power operated!  Come rain, flip a switch and it goes up and down by itself.  No gearshift cluttering the floor, it's under the wheel.  Fact is that this beauty is way ahead of the clunker I traded in.  The DeSoto is the smartest, most satisfying  car I ever owned!”  From a 1940 Ad featuring the housewife.

I can only imagine what her husband thinks of that satisfying comment, but I digress.  For consignment, 1 of only 1085 Custom S7C series convertibles produced in 1940.  This rare beauty was restored in the late 1980's with a body off technique, covering all aspects.  It still holds its shine as it resided in California.  Our consignor may shed a tear or two once it goes, but it will turn to a smile for the next potential owner of this hen's tooth.

Exterior
Emblazoned with a plethora of chrome plated trimmings as are seen accenting on the protuberant hood, belt line, headlight bezels, bumpers, running board edges, deco styled tail light trimmings and handles.  Beautifully rounded fenders looking like they were born on an English wheel cozy up to straight steel door panels and trunk and hood lids.  All bathed in deep space black which is retaining its shine very nicely, a flying goddess hood ornament peers ahead and floats above the curved dual horizontal ribbed grille openings which undulate with the front of the car's lines, and flank either side of the central hood spear downward V it forms.  The hood makes its way back to a split windshield also framed in chrome, that has a driver's side spotlight and glass wing windows on either side.  On the bottom of the side panels is a wide strip of running board edge chrome which works with the flared out body, (Early Coke bottle?), and door panels, and the ending of the front fenders and beginnings of the rears.  A nicely preserved black canvas top which is new with the resto has a glass chrome encircled small oval rear window.  On the back a rounded trunk lid is framed on the bottom with a wide chromed rear bumper donning a DeSoto badge in red.  Vertical tail lighting and ribbed styled tail light bezels curve with the ends of the rear quarters.  Wide whites are on all 4 corners and shiny moon caps can also serve as mirrors, they are that shiny.  Is there anything in my teeth!?

Interior
A swing of the wide doors reveals oxblood vinyl uppers and a wide vertical ribbed center panel.  Shiny handles and the actuator have red bakelite knobs.  This motif continues to the bench seats which are bathed in smooth oxblood vinyl.  The front bench has a split back for easy access to the rear fold up and down jump seats also in oxblood vinyl.  Up front a large red bakelite steering wheel with a chromed horn ring and massive center fronts an art deco inspired dash with more chrome, a warm cream rectangular gauge cluster panel and brown gauge backgrounds.  Just bleeding with Art Deco design right down to the dual single shafts of wheat on either side.  This dash is AWESOME!  In the center is more vertical chromed ribs for the vertically mounted on the drivers side radio.  A few more white knobbed bakelite pulls are smattered about, and below is a crank with a red knob for the cowl vent.  Wonderfully clean red deep pile carpeting floods the floors and just above on the passenger's side is a heater unit hanging below the dash. The rest of the metal dash is bathed in black taking from the exterior and just setting off the red interior motif.

Drivetrain
Under the hood reveals a showroom quality 228.1ci inline-6 cylinder mill that sports solid lifters.  Underneath the oil bath cleaner is a 1-barrel carburetor and on the back is a 3 speed manual transmission with overdrive.  Waaaay back is a 4.10 rear wheel driving the axle on the back.  A really long horn is atop this mill so get over in your own lane ASAP!!  Clean as a whistle for all these components and the actual engine.  Just hand the trophy over now!

Undercarriage
Black resprayed steel creates the X frame and stamped steel structure of the floor boards, trunk panels and rockers.  Independent coil springs form the front ride assist and leaf springs are on the back.  Drum brakes are all around and a like new  exhaust system is attached.   Breathe out… we're hopping in kids!

Drive-Ability
She fires right up and unfortunately the top down procedure was foiled due to it being non functional.   Driving is a pleasure, and I noticed the horn, radio, and wipers were still, and not unlike the top… inoperable.  Brakes are good and acceleration is surprisingly snappy and cruising along with modern traffic is a breeze with the overdrive transmission.

A fine example of an upscale car loaded with chrome and dripping with Art Deco styling with the rounded front fenders and flared out rockers.  Wide whites and moon caps, a searchlight and fog lights, and the convertible which is power when working are just a few of the many plusses on this well preserved car.  Just DeLiteful!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.