Page 69 - Barrett-Jackson_Experience_Spring2021

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THIS DESOTO ADVENTURER CONVERTIBLE
IS ONE OF JUST 97 BUILT NEW IN 1959.
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Launched by Walter P. Chrysler in 1928, DeSoto was
a brand predicated on offering the American public
a stylish and affordable automobile. The name was
inspired by images of romanticized exploration and accessories include a padded dash, search-tune
adventure intrinsic in American folklore. Chrysler radio with foot control, rearview MirrorMatic
named the company DeSoto after Hernando de dimmer, power windows, power convertible top,
Soto, the 16th-century Spanish explorer who was tinted glass and more, much more. Indeed, this
the first European to discover and cross the mighty ’59 DeSoto is certainly lavish enough for any king,
Mississippi River. To Chrysler, the spirit of adventure potentate or maharaja.
associated with the name De Soto was irresistible,
reinforcing the idea of freedom and the open road The car offers as much go as show, for beneath
resonant in Americana and helping personify the beautifully creased and ornamented hood is
the automobile as a propellant of the next great the 350hp power plant. Topped with dual-quad
American adventure. carburetion, the 383ci V8 Wedge engine features
a dual-point distributer and exhales through dual
It was justifiably fitting, then, that DeSoto’s exhaust. Power is routed through a TorqueFlite
premiere flagship model would be earn the name 3-speed automatic transmission fitted with the
“Adventurer.” Introduced in 1956, the Adventurer much-lauded push-button controls. Additionally,
was not just adventurous in terms of where it would the Adventurer features Torsion-Aire suspension
take you, but also in its design. Penned by the great for supreme handling and comfort. DeSoto went
Virgil Exner, Chrysler Corporation's head stylist at so far as refer to the Adventurer’s suspension as
the time, the Adventurer would go on to highlight “engineered to handle like a thoroughbred and built
American car styling to the extreme. The 1959 to ride as softly as passing summer clouds.”
model year would be the apex of Exner’s “Forward
Look” design language. It was rolling mechanical The DeSoto Adventurers were distinguished among
style, a daring assortment of swooping lines and big their rivals with special color schemes only available
fins. Perfect for the 1950s, perfect for the jet age. It in black or white. This example opted for a rich
was built for the “super-highway,” a flagship for (as black finish beautifully accentuated by the gold-
Chrysler put it) “kings, potentates and maharajas.” stamped aluminum side sweep, anodized gold
And come the 2021 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale radiator grilles and rear quarter-panel emblems.
Auction, it can be yours. The car rides on chromed and golden turbine-
style wheel covers wrapped in whitewall tires.
Offered with No Reserve, this DeSoto Adventurer The brilliance of this classic needs to be seen to
convertible is one of just 97 built new in 1959. be believed; no wonder it earned the nickname
The classic boulevard cruiser was affectionately “Golden Adventurer” in the period.
named “Alan” as a nod to founding member of
the International DeSoto Club, Alan Ralston. The finned beauty is ready to hit the road once
Meticulously restored, the Adventurer’s interior again, beginning an all-new adventure with one
is lavish with accessories, including Chrysler’s lucky bidder at the helm.
patented Sports Swivel Seats, a tri-tone interior with – Eric Becker
gold sparkle trim, Trinidad black and gold flaked For up-to-date information on this vehicle, visit Barrett-Jackson.com
carpet, and multi-colored speedometer. Additional

VISIT BARRETT-JACKSON.COM FOR THE COMPLETE DOCKET 69