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DM’s black and gold DeSoto Adventurer was the best precision DeSoto model on the planet. That was, until now. Configured into the Sportsman iteration, this Plum and Lavender Iridescent beauty really highlights the DeSoto’s grand styling. This issue is a numbered limited edition of 5000 pieces. For those purchasing this car, another limited edition of it in Firedome convertible form will be available in July of this year. That model will be painted directly opposite of this coupe. The biggest portion of that car will be Lavender with Plum roof and side accents. Don’t mistakenly think this Sportsman to be a repaint of the Adventurer, it’s not. DM studied the marque carefully to make the changes necessary to give us a whole new diecast.
Outwardly you will notice the rear window is now down. I like the cleaner look almost as well as I like the period correct color combo. The wheels, too, present a whole new and fresher appearance to the previous model. The photoetched wires and slightly wider whitewalls cause a dramatic transformation of the previous image. “Sportsman” scripts replace the rear fender's “Adventurer” monikers and there are additional, “Fireflight” tampos applied to the front fenders. The grillwork carries the same beautiful photoetch mesh insert but is more subdued in silver. There are many changes to the interior. The seats are done in traditional bench form and the pattern much more pleasing to my eye. The clock is now mounted center top dash but the Highway Hi-Fi is still optioned. As with the seats, the door panels receive different layout treatment and the colors of beige and lavender are lavishly applied.
The wonderful details of the Adventurer are carried over and include extending twin antenna, opening fuel filler door, working suspension, hidden door hinges with secure, snapping locks, scissors hood springs and remarkable engine details. From below you can see the time that DM put into fabricating a glasslike fuel filter bowl, working rear shocks and fully operational front A-frame suspension cradles. The Adventurer’s bright pivot pins are replaced with accurate black pins. DM’s homework yields an accurate motor change too. The Adventurer was powered by the dual quad 341 cubic inch, 320 horsepower hemi. The Sportsman now sports the correct single four barrel 330 cubic inch, 255 horsepower hemi “high deck block” motor. This will be the same motor powering the upcoming Firedome convertible model but with 230 horsepower.
It’s the detail on this model that commands the admiration and respect of serious and occasional collectors alike. I give it a well-earned 5 of 5 on the drool meter index.
The issue price is $135.
(06/05/2004)
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