DeSoto Cars with Automatic Transmission System
Introduction
The DeSoto marque was produced by the Chrysler Corporation from 1928 to 1960. DeSoto vehicles were positioned above Plymouth and below Chrysler in the Chrysler lineup. The first DeSoto with an automatic transmission was introduced in 1950, and the last DeSoto with an automatic transmission was produced in 1960.
1950 DeSoto Custom
The 1950 DeSoto Custom was the first DeSoto to offer an automatic transmission. The transmission was a two-speed PowerFlite automatic transmission. The PowerFlite transmission was also used in other Chrysler products, including the Chrysler Windsor, Imperial, and New Yorker.
The 1950 DeSoto Custom was available with a variety of engine options, including a 236.7 cu in (3.9 L) I6 engine, a 250.6 cu in (4.1 L) I6 engine, and a 331 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engine. The PowerFlite transmission was available with all three engine options.
1951-1954 DeSoto Firedome
The 1951-1954 DeSoto Firedome was the successor to the DeSoto Custom. The Firedome was available with a variety of engine options, including a 250.6 cu in (4.1 L) I6 engine, a 276 cu in (4.5 L) I6 engine, and a 331 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engine. The PowerFlite transmission was available with all three engine options.
In 1953, the DeSoto Firedome was redesigned. The new design featured a more modern and aerodynamic body style. The PowerFlite transmission was updated to a three-speed unit in 1954.
1955-1956 DeSoto Fireflite
The 1955-1956 DeSoto Fireflite was the successor to the DeSoto Firedome. The Fireflite was available with a variety of engine options, including a 276 cu in (4.5 L) I6 engine, a 303 cu in (4.9 L) V8 engine, and a 331 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engine. The PowerFlite transmission was available with all three engine options.
The 1955 DeSoto Fireflite was redesigned. The new design featured a more modern and stylish body style. The PowerFlite transmission was updated to a four-speed unit in 1956.
1957-1960 DeSoto Adventurer
The 1957-1960 DeSoto Adventurer was the successor to the DeSoto Fireflite. The Adventurer was available with a variety of engine options, including a 325 cu in (5.3 L) V8 engine, a 341 cu in (5.6 L) V8 engine, and a 361 cu in (5.9 L) V8 engine. The PowerFlite transmission was available with all three engine options.
The 1957 DeSoto Adventurer was redesigned. The new design featured a more modern and aggressive body style. The PowerFlite transmission was updated to a three-speed unit with overdrive in 1958.
Conclusion
The DeSoto marque was discontinued in 1960. However, the DeSoto nameplate lived on in the form of the DeSoto Hemi, a high-performance engine that was used in a variety of Chrysler products. The DeSoto Hemi engine was discontinued in 1971.
