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In 1956, Desoto tried to break out of its “poor relative” role to Chrysler, Plymouth and Dodge with the high-performance Adventurer model. Though Desoto shared some styling cues with its cousins, the manufacturer managed to come up with a bold, unique personal style all its own. The Adventurer looked powerful and sleek and fairly dripped with class. It was Desoto’s tour de force for 1956. Sadly, only 996 sold. The Adventurer’s string ran out in 1959 and Desoto was history by 1962.
D4C members won’t be surprised at the features DM has put into this image. After all, DM took all five places in the reader poll for 2001 best-of-category images – WOW! Unlike rival FM, which put out a slew of innovations awhile back – then pulled back, DM introduces features and builds from there. I’m referring to features on the Adventurer image like: authentic, scissors-style hood hinges, authentic door hinges (the doors also close with an audible “click”), opening gas filler cap, tilting front seatbacks, full operating suspensions fore and aft, removable spare tire and extending/retracting antennas. Nifty little extras like a steering wheel hub-mounted clock and under-dash “Highway Hi-fi” add to the fun. And need I mention the meticulous interior, undercarriage, and under-the-hood detailing? DM’s developing a reputation for consistency in my book – a consistency that keeps me buying their images. Top it all off with a flawless, two-tone, gold and black finish (with gold-tone hubcaps) and you have one classy image to grace your collection. Kudos to DM as well for producing an image that’s off the beaten path.
Adventurer was Desoto’s bid for the big time. Though the marque never could keep up with its siblings, its efforts never lacked style. It’s fitting for DM to tip their hat to Desoto’s kind of pluck. It’s something they understand quite well. The issue price is $115.
(06/06/2002)
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