The 1939 De Soto was a full-size automobile produced by the De Soto division of the Chrysler Corporation. It was the first De Soto to be offered with a V8 engine, and it was also the first De Soto to be styled by Virgil Exner, who would later become Chrysler’s chief stylist. The 1939 De Soto was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
The 1939 De Soto was available in a variety of body styles, including a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, and a five-door station wagon. It was powered by a 228 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 100 horsepower. The 1939 De Soto was also available with a variety of features, including a radio, a heater, and a clock.
The 1939 De Soto was a significant car for De Soto. It was the first De Soto to be offered with a V8 engine, and it was also the first De Soto to be styled by Virgil Exner. The 1939 De Soto was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
1939 De Soto
The 1939 De Soto was a significant car for De Soto. It was the first De Soto to be offered with a V8 engine, and it was also the first De Soto to be styled by Virgil Exner. The 1939 De Soto was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
- First V8 engine: The 1939 De Soto was the first De Soto to be offered with a V8 engine.
- Virgil Exner styling: The 1939 De Soto was the first De Soto to be styled by Virgil Exner.
- Critical success: The 1939 De Soto was a critical success, with reviewers praising its performance and styling.
- Commercial success: The 1939 De Soto was a commercial success, with sales exceeding expectations.
- Established De Soto: The 1939 De Soto helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
- Full-size automobile: The 1939 De Soto was a full-size automobile, competing with other cars in its class such as the Chevrolet Master Deluxe and the Ford V8.
- Variety of body styles: The 1939 De Soto was available in a variety of body styles, including a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, and a five-door station wagon.
- Powered by a V8: The 1939 De Soto was powered by a 228 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 100 horsepower.
- Variety of features: The 1939 De Soto was available with a variety of features, including a radio, a heater, and a clock.
- Affordable luxury: The 1939 De Soto was an affordable luxury car, offering features and styling that were typically found on more expensive cars.
The 1939 De Soto was a significant car for De Soto and for the American automobile market. It was the first De Soto to be offered with a V8 engine, and it was also the first De Soto to be styled by Virgil Exner. The 1939 De Soto was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
First V8 engine
The introduction of the V8 engine in the 1939 De Soto was a significant milestone for the De Soto brand and the American automotive industry as a whole. Prior to 1939, De Soto had relied on inline-six engines, which were less powerful and efficient than V8 engines. The V8 engine provided De Soto with a significant competitive advantage, and it helped to establish the brand as a major player in the American automobile market.
- Increased power and performance: The V8 engine provided the 1939 De Soto with more power and performance than its inline-six predecessors. This made the 1939 De Soto a more desirable car for consumers who were looking for a powerful and sporty automobile.
- Improved efficiency: The V8 engine was also more efficient than the inline-six engine. This meant that the 1939 De Soto could travel further on a gallon of gas, which was an important consideration for consumers during the Great Depression.
- Enhanced reputation: The introduction of the V8 engine helped to enhance De Soto’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality automobiles. The V8 engine was seen as a symbol of power and prestige, and it helped to attract new customers to the De Soto brand.
The introduction of the V8 engine in the 1939 De Soto was a major turning point for the De Soto brand. It helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market, and it set the stage for the brand’s continued success in the years to come.
Virgil Exner styling
Virgil Exner was an American automotive designer who is credited with creating some of the most iconic cars of the 1950s and 1960s. His designs were characterized by their sleek, streamlined appearance and their use of exaggerated curves and fins. The 1939 De Soto was the first De Soto to be styled by Virgil Exner, and it marked a significant departure from the brand’s previous designs.
- Sleek and streamlined: The 1939 De Soto was one of the first cars to feature a sleek and streamlined design. This design was inspired by the Art Deco movement, which was popular in the 1930s. The 1939 De Soto’s streamlined design helped to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
- Exaggerated curves and fins: Virgil Exner was known for his use of exaggerated curves and fins in his designs. The 1939 De Soto featured a number of these design elements, including a curved grille, fenders, and a rear decklid. These design elements helped to give the 1939 De Soto a distinctive and stylish appearance.
- Departure from previous designs: The 1939 De Soto was a significant departure from De Soto’s previous designs. Prior to 1939, De Soto’s cars were more conservative in their styling. The 1939 De Soto’s sleek and streamlined design helped to attract new customers to the brand.
Virgil Exner’s styling had a significant impact on the 1939 De Soto. His sleek and streamlined design helped to improve the car’s performance and fuel efficiency. His use of exaggerated curves and fins gave the car a distinctive and stylish appearance. The 1939 De Soto was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
Critical success
The 1939 De Soto was a critical success, with reviewers praising its performance and styling. This critical success was a major factor in the car’s commercial success. Positive reviews from influential automotive publications helped to generate excitement and demand for the 1939 De Soto, and they also helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
There were a number of reasons why the 1939 De Soto received such positive reviews from critics. First, the car’s performance was impressive. The V8 engine provided plenty of power and torque, and the car’s handling and braking were also praised by reviewers. Second, the car’s styling was considered to be very attractive. The sleek and streamlined design was a departure from De Soto’s previous designs, and it helped to give the car a distinctive and stylish appearance.
The 1939 De Soto’s critical success is a testament to the quality of the car. The car’s performance and styling were both praised by reviewers, and this helped to generate excitement and demand for the car. The 1939 De Soto’s critical success was a major factor in the car’s commercial success, and it helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
Commercial success
The 1939 De Soto was a commercial success, with sales exceeding expectations. This commercial success was due to a number of factors, including the car’s performance, styling, and affordability. The 1939 De Soto was one of the first cars to offer a V8 engine, which provided it with plenty of power and torque. The car’s sleek and streamlined design was also a major selling point, and it helped to give the De Soto a distinctive and stylish appearance. Finally, the 1939 De Soto was priced competitively, which made it an attractive option for consumers who were looking for a high-quality car at an affordable price.
- Performance: The 1939 De Soto’s V8 engine provided it with plenty of power and torque, which made it a desirable car for consumers who were looking for a powerful and sporty automobile.
- Styling: The 1939 De Soto’s sleek and streamlined design was a major selling point, and it helped to give the De Soto a distinctive and stylish appearance.
- Affordability: The 1939 De Soto was priced competitively, which made it an attractive option for consumers who were looking for a high-quality car at an affordable price.
The 1939 De Soto’s commercial success was a major factor in the car’s overall success. The car’s popularity helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market, and it set the stage for the brand’s continued success in the years to come.
Established De Soto
Prior to the introduction of the 1939 De Soto, the De Soto brand was not considered to be a major player in the American automobile market. However, the 1939 De Soto was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to change the perception of the De Soto brand. The 1939 De Soto’s success was due to a number of factors, including its performance, styling, and affordability. The car’s V8 engine provided it with plenty of power and torque, and its sleek and streamlined design was a major selling point. Additionally, the 1939 De Soto was priced competitively, which made it an attractive option for consumers who were looking for a high-quality car at an affordable price.
- Performance: The 1939 De Soto’s V8 engine provided it with plenty of power and torque, which made it a desirable car for consumers who were looking for a powerful and sporty automobile.
- Styling: The 1939 De Soto’s sleek and streamlined design was a major selling point, and it helped to give the De Soto a distinctive and stylish appearance.
- Affordability: The 1939 De Soto was priced competitively, which made it an attractive option for consumers who were looking for a high-quality car at an affordable price.
The 1939 De Soto’s success helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market. The car’s performance, styling, and affordability made it a popular choice for consumers, and it helped to change the perception of the De Soto brand. The 1939 De Soto is considered to be one of the most important cars in De Soto’s history, and it helped to set the stage for the brand’s continued success in the years to come.
Full-size automobile
The 1939 De Soto was a full-size automobile, meaning that it was larger than compact cars and mid-size cars. It was comparable in size to other full-size cars on the market at the time, such as the Chevrolet Master Deluxe and the Ford V8. Full-size cars were popular in the 1930s because they offered more space and comfort for passengers and cargo.
- Size and dimensions: The 1939 De Soto was 200 inches long, 74 inches wide, and 68 inches tall. It had a wheelbase of 118 inches. These dimensions are comparable to other full-size cars from the same era.
- Passenger and cargo space: The 1939 De Soto had a spacious interior with seating for six passengers. The trunk was also large enough to accommodate a significant amount of luggage or cargo.
- Performance: Full-size cars like the 1939 De Soto were typically powered by V8 engines, which provided plenty of power and torque. This made them suitable for highway driving and towing.
- Price and availability: Full-size cars were more expensive than smaller cars, but they were still affordable for many middle-class families. The 1939 De Soto was priced at $895, which was comparable to other full-size cars on the market.
The 1939 De Soto was a popular choice for families and businesses who needed a spacious and comfortable car. It was also a good choice for people who wanted a car with plenty of power and performance.
Variety of body styles
The variety of body styles offered for the 1939 De Soto was a significant factor in its success. By offering a range of body styles, De Soto was able to appeal to a wider range of consumers with different needs and preferences.
- Two-door coupe: The two-door coupe was a popular choice for young and single people who wanted a sporty and stylish car.
- Four-door sedan: The four-door sedan was a more practical choice for families and businesses who needed a car with more seating and cargo space.
- Five-door station wagon: The five-door station wagon was a versatile choice for families and businesses who needed a car with even more cargo space and seating capacity.
The availability of a variety of body styles also allowed De Soto to compete more effectively with other car manufacturers. For example, the two-door coupe was a direct competitor to the Ford Coupe and the Chevrolet Coupe. The four-door sedan was a competitor to the Fordor Sedan and the Chevrolet Sedan. And the five-door station wagon was a competitor to the Ford Station Wagon and the Chevrolet Station Wagon.
The variety of body styles offered for the 1939 De Soto was a key factor in its success. By offering a range of body styles, De Soto was able to appeal to a wider range of consumers with different needs and preferences. This allowed De Soto to compete more effectively with other car manufacturers and to establish itself as a major player in the American automobile market.
Powered by a V8
The introduction of the V8 engine in the 1939 De Soto was a significant milestone for the De Soto brand and the American automotive industry as a whole. Prior to 1939, De Soto had relied on inline-six engines, which were less powerful and efficient than V8 engines. The V8 engine provided De Soto with a significant competitive advantage, and it helped to establish the brand as a major player in the American automobile market.
The V8 engine in the 1939 De Soto was a 228 cubic inch engine that produced 100 horsepower. This was a significant increase in power over the inline-six engines that De Soto had used in the past. The V8 engine also provided the 1939 De Soto with improved acceleration and top speed.
The introduction of the V8 engine in the 1939 De Soto was a major factor in the car’s success. The V8 engine provided the car with the power and performance that consumers were looking for, and it helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
Variety of features
The 1939 De Soto was available with a variety of features that were not commonly found on cars of its era. These features included a radio, a heater, and a clock.
- Radios: Radios were not standard equipment on cars in the 1930s, but they were becoming increasingly popular. The 1939 De Soto was available with a factory-installed radio, which was a major selling point for the car.
- Heaters: Heaters were also not standard equipment on cars in the 1930s, but they were a popular option in colder climates. The 1939 De Soto was available with a heater that was designed to keep passengers warm in even the coldest weather.
- Clocks: Clocks were not essential equipment on cars, but they were a convenient feature for drivers who wanted to keep track of time. The 1939 De Soto was available with a clock that was mounted on the dashboard.
The availability of these features was a major selling point for the 1939 De Soto. These features made the car more comfortable and convenient for drivers and passengers, and they helped to distinguish the De Soto from its competitors.
Affordable luxury
The 1939 De Soto was an affordable luxury car that offered features and styling that were typically found on more expensive cars. This made the De Soto a popular choice for consumers who wanted a high-quality car at an affordable price.
- Features: The 1939 De Soto was available with a variety of features that were not commonly found on cars of its era, including a radio, a heater, and a clock. These features made the De Soto more comfortable and convenient for drivers and passengers, and they helped to distinguish the De Soto from its competitors.
- Styling: The 1939 De Soto was styled by Virgil Exner, who was one of the most influential car designers of the 20th century. Exner’s design for the De Soto was sleek and streamlined, and it helped to give the car a distinctive and stylish appearance. The De Soto’s styling was a major selling point for the car, and it helped to attract new customers to the brand.
- Price: The 1939 De Soto was priced competitively with other cars in its class. This made the De Soto an attractive option for consumers who wanted a high-quality car at an affordable price. The De Soto’s price was a major factor in the car’s success, and it helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
The 1939 De Soto was a significant car for De Soto and for the American automobile market. It was the first De Soto to be offered with a V8 engine, and it was also the first De Soto to be styled by Virgil Exner. The 1939 De Soto was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
FAQs about the 1939 De Soto
The 1939 De Soto was a significant car for De Soto and for the American automobile market. It was the first De Soto to be offered with a V8 engine, and it was also the first De Soto to be styled by Virgil Exner. The 1939 De Soto was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
Question 1: What was the significance of the 1939 De Soto?
The 1939 De Soto was significant for several reasons. First, it was the first De Soto to be offered with a V8 engine. This gave the De Soto a significant competitive advantage over its rivals, which were still using inline-six engines. Second, the 1939 De Soto was the first De Soto to be styled by Virgil Exner. Exner’s design for the De Soto was sleek and streamlined, and it helped to give the car a distinctive and stylish appearance. Third, the 1939 De Soto was a critical and commercial success. This helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
Question 2: What were the key features of the 1939 De Soto?
The 1939 De Soto was available with a variety of features that were not commonly found on cars of its era, including a radio, a heater, and a clock. These features made the De Soto more comfortable and convenient for drivers and passengers, and they helped to distinguish the De Soto from its competitors.
Question 3: How did the 1939 De Soto compare to its competitors?
The 1939 De Soto compared favorably to its competitors in terms of performance, styling, and features. The De Soto’s V8 engine gave it a significant power advantage over its rivals, and its sleek and streamlined design was more stylish than many other cars on the market. Additionally, the De Soto was available with a variety of features that were not commonly found on other cars, such as a radio, a heater, and a clock.
Question 4: How many 1939 De Sotos were produced?
A total of 106,882 1939 De Sotos were produced.
Question 5: What is the value of a 1939 De Soto today?
The value of a 1939 De Soto today depends on a number of factors, including the model, condition, and rarity. However, in general, a 1939 De Soto in good condition can be worth anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000.
The 1939 De Soto was a significant car for De Soto and for the American automobile market. It was the first De Soto to be offered with a V8 engine, and it was also the first De Soto to be styled by Virgil Exner. The 1939 De Soto was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
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Tips for Maintaining Your 1939 De Soto
The 1939 De Soto is a classic car that requires special care and attention to keep it in good condition. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your 1939 De Soto:
Tip 1: Regularly wash and wax your car.
Washing and waxing your car will help to protect the paint from the elements and keep it looking its best. Be sure to use a mild soap and a soft cloth when washing your car. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents, as these can damage the paint.
Tip 2: Check your fluid levels regularly.
The fluid levels in your car should be checked regularly to ensure that they are at the proper levels. This includes the oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. If any of the fluid levels are low, be sure to top them off immediately.
Tip 3: Change your oil and filter regularly.
The oil and filter in your car should be changed regularly to keep the engine running smoothly. The oil will break down over time and become less effective at lubricating the engine. The filter will also become clogged with dirt and debris, which can restrict the flow of oil to the engine.
Tip 4: Inspect your tires regularly.
The tires on your car should be inspected regularly for wear and tear. Be sure to check the tread depth and the sidewalls of the tires for any cracks or bulges. If any of the tires are worn or damaged, they should be replaced immediately.
Tip 5: Have your car serviced by a qualified mechanic.
It is important to have your car serviced by a qualified mechanic on a regular basis. A mechanic can inspect your car for any potential problems and make sure that it is running safely and efficiently.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your 1939 De Soto in good condition for many years to come.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Regular maintenance will help to keep your car running smoothly and looking its best.
- Following these tips will help to prevent costly repairs in the future.
- A well-maintained car is a safe car.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
By following these tips, you can help to keep your 1939 De Soto in good condition for many years to come. Enjoy the ride!
Conclusion
The 1939 De Soto was a significant car for De Soto and for the American automobile market. It was the first De Soto to be offered with a V8 engine, and it was also the first De Soto to be styled by Virgil Exner. The 1939 De Soto was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish De Soto as a major player in the American automobile market.
The 1939 De Soto is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the American automotive industry. It was a car that was ahead of its time, and it helped to set the stage for the future of the American automobile.