First year DeSoto. 1970s restoration in good condition. Smooth 175 cubic inch inline-6. Factory hydraulic brakes, recently serviced. Upgraded electrical system. A great entry-level alternative to the usual Model A Ford!

Chrysler was rapidly building its core group of brands and in 1929, they introduced DeSoto as a mid-priced competitor to vehicles like Oldsmobile and Pontiac. With innovative features like hydraulic brakes (which Chrysler used from the very start in 1924) and upscale styling, the DeSoto was a success. This handsome 1929 DeSoto Model K coupe shows you why. It’s handsome without being cute, and offers a lot more sophistication than many of its more popular competitors. The body lines echo the upscale Chrysler unit, particularly the thin grille shell and slightly raked roofline. We believe this DeSoto was restored in the 1970s and has been in long-term storage, so it’s nicely preserved. The maroon bodywork with black fenders is a traditional look, and while there are signs of use and age, it still looks handsome from a few feet away. There’s no evidence of rot or sub-standard repairs and the wood framing of the bodywork seems solid with doors that do not sag. The rear-mounted spare was standard equipment, but the trunk rack and trunk were often dealer-installed accessories that add useful storage.

The interior is simple but with attractive Bedford cord upholstery, it feels comfortable for long tours or drives. The controls are familiar, with a big steering wheel, a 3-speed manual transmission (non-synchronized, so brush up on your double-clutching), and pedals arranged in the conventional fashion. The pedal on the far right is for the starter, and the levers on the steering column are the lights and hand-throttle (not connected). The gauges cover the basics, with the factory ammeter supplanted by a modern digital volt meter under the dash, along with a second horn button for the accessory horn mounted up front (the original horn with a button in the center of the wheel also works properly). The emblem in the center of the dash was something Chrysler called the “theft-proof number” which identifies each Chrysler product uniquely, like a VIN. The carpets are showing some wear, but there are heavy-duty rubber floor mats to keep things tidy. There’s also a nice headliner overhead and the windshield cranks open for added ventilation. In back, the rumble seat is upholstered in durable black vinyl and has room for reasonable-sized people who are athletic enough to climb in using the three steps on the right rear fender.

Chrysler’s 175 cubic inch inline-6 is known for its smoothness and almost legendary durability—these little engines are serious over-achievers and seem to last forever. This one has a few upgrades like a 6-volt alternator and modern plug wires, but otherwise it remains as the factory intended. Get the choke set just right and it fires up easily and idles nicely, and when it’s warmed up, it pulls the coupe around with real enthusiasm. At speed, it’s probably happiest under 50 MPH, about par for the era, and it makes a pleasant six-cylinder burble from the single exhaust pipe out back. The transmission shifts properly, clutch action is smooth, and with factory hydraulic brakes, stopping is confident. The brakes, fuel system, and electrical system have all been recently serviced, including new wheel cylinders, a restored gas tank, rebuilt carburetor and vacuum tank, and more. Underneath, it’s tidy and clean, with solid frame rails and wooden floors so you don’t have to worry about rusted floorboards. There are fresh fluids throughout, and the 19-inch wood spoke wheels are in nice condition with no signs of rot. 4.75/5.00-19 blackwall tires are the same size as a Model A, so they’re easy to get—we’d probably recommend replacing these before heading out on any long tours since we don’t know how old they are.

Extras include factory owner’s manuals, a reproduction shop manual, master parts list, and some assorted spare parts. It also comes with a pair of neat “DeSoto” signs for your garage.

We’re often impressed by the quality engineering in Chrysler products, and this neat little DeSoto coupe is no exception. It’s a little bigger, a little more luxurious, a little more powerful, and a little more sophisticated than something like a Model A Ford, all for about the same price. And even though it’s a little unusual, parts are still easy to get and the driving experience is a step up. If you like cars that are a little out of the ordinary, this DeSoto deserves a second look. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.

NOTE: This vehicle is titled by engine number.