Pair of Midwest '56 Desoto Wagons

A couple of incredible deals, (I think anyhow).

$5K, in Ohio. Engine needs work, but interior looks great and body appears straight. I'd love to see a glossy new paint job: maybe just reverse the colors, like this one: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/8835104184_d16b1bbd80_z.jpg

Regardless, it needs to be saved!
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/3981048952.html

 

And the other: $2900 in Minnesota. Has the 330 Hemi, which I've learned are often cannibalized for coupe-based hot rod projects.

Interior looks very salvageable. I'd be curious to know what would happen if you buff that paint... I bet you'd save most of it. Then clearcoat in gloss, replace that rear bed with varnished wood like our '53 wagon for more 'oohs' and 'aahs' on cruise night. Beyond that, just enjoy it!

http://duluth.craigslist.org/cto/3992201132.html

 

I like the ornamentation on these DeSotos and Chryslers. Seem to me to have a bit more 'flare' than some of the '56 - '58 GM cars where it looks like the chrome was just 'thrown on'.... Also like the gold anodizing on some parts.

 

Those are both nice. I'd buy the Ohio wagon if I was looking for another project.

 

From what I've read, Chrysler had been a pretty regular third behind Ford and GM, and that "stodgy" look in the early 50's wasn't helping. Virgil Exner was given free rein to go nuts, and according to one YouTube interview about the '56 Imperial, it worked - and the Imperial (similar styling to the Chrysler 300 and Desotos for that year) took a big bite out of Cadillac's sales for the next few years.

It's fun to watch the styling chase the fads through that period. My wife would never have given a thumbs up on either of these, yet she adores our '53. I guess we just identify most with that post-Capone, pre-Bill Haley and the Comets period.

 

My thought too - put a lightly used LS engine in there with trans and you've got a sweet ride.

 

Screw the LS engine, that's a "me, too!" motor! ANYTHING with a Hemi in it draws a LOT more attention, wherever it is!

But, if you want "oooh, me too!", the LS engine is what you need. I'll give you $200 for the Hemi, since you won't be needing it.

 

I wasn't recommending it for being original; I was recommending it for being as tough as an anvil and reliable as the sunrise. You can make cheap horsepower and get parts for it anywhere. Tough crowd.

 

I think a nice new Hemi with displacement on demand would be a better way to go with either of these cars. At least that way they are all Chrysler. Or, if you want some economy, in something really oddball, get a wrecked Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and put the entire drive train in! A properly engineered, full hybrid 56 Desoto wagon works for me!

 

There is nothing wrong with a STOCK 56 Hemi. just leave it alone!

 

I'm not saying a stock engine, or any other engine someone comes up with isn't cool or original or wrong on any level - EXCEPT when it comes to being able to hop in it and take off for a 1000 mile road trip, while burning pump gas without any treatments and be able to get parts for it at any auto parts store. And along the way, make crazy cheap, RELIABLE horsepower.

If all you want to do is take the car to local cruise nights or drive it on and off trailers, and money is no object, by all means put a stock engine and drivetrain. I was thinking about what it would take to get it on the road quickly and cheaply, then ending up with something that is road-trip worthy. Power Tour ready. Smokey Burnout ready.

 

If anyone gets one of these 56 DeSoto wagons, I've got a buddy who has a parts car for it. His father parked a 56 DeSoto wagon in a barn in West Virginia in the 1960's where its sat ever since. It's sunk into the mud floor of the barn (which has been flooded a couple times over the years) so I'm sure its rusted out on the bottom side, but its complete.

 

I agree. There are show cars and go cars. Even my beat up ole 55 wagon is built for going. 305 and 200R4. But it's still fun having an original car to cruise in and show off. Maybe that's why a lot of people have two or three--- or more toys.

 

Another BARN FIND ! Should start the bidding at around $25,000. After all it's a low mileage barn find.

 

Cat: That is my preference, too. The first one, though, needs engine work, and I am wondering what it needs. It also depends on how you plan to use it. For a fair amount of highway driving, I would be upgrading to an overdrive transmission.