In actuality, the DeSoto stopped conquistadoring in 1961, due in large part to the 1958 recession, from which sales failed to recover. That year, DeSoto sales were 60 percent lower than those of 1957. In addition, Ford introduced a new mid-price competitor with the Edsel, which seemed intimidating at the time–but we all know became a symbol for an utter commercial failure. But long live the memory of the DeSoto!
Now that was a car. I sound like every old guy in the country. I do appreciate the sturdiness and simplicity of older cars. Now we have curvy rides of mostly plastic. They talk to you and will even drive themselves but good luck trying to fix one by your self. I think I would like something more in the middle.
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I don’t want it to drive itself! The middle would be better, but boy, I’d love to drive this DeSoto. I just want people to ask what I drive, so I can just toss DeSoto out casually.
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I would like one from the 50’s with the fins. My first car was a 1957 Chrysler Saratoga. Two tons of steel and chrome. The DeSoto and some Chryslers looked alike.
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Do you have pics of that first Saratoga and you? That was the name of the street I grew up on LOL.
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I just might have a pic of the car when it was new; with my dad. He bought it new in 57 and I bought it from him in 67. I have to look.
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You should make a copy for the grandkids. I love the pic of my grandfather in front of a 1938 something (I’m getting forgetful)!
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That is a good idea. I have lost most of my pics, over the years but I am pretty sure I have of of the “Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine.” That is what it was called in High School. Friends came up with that nickname. Not me.
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Ha ha, that is a terrific part of the story!
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Very cool post !
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