DeSoto Powermaster
Encyclopedia
The DeSoto Powermaster was an automobile built by the Chrysler Corporation for sale through its DeSoto
division during model years 1952 to 1954. The car debuted during DeSoto's 25th anniversary, taking the place of both the entry-level DeSoto Deluxe
and the DeSoto Custom
.
The Powermaster was a full-size car, offered in pillared two and four-door sedan and station wagon models, and powered by Chrysler's 251 in³ I6 engine. For both of its years in production, the Powermaster was available as an eight passenger sedan through the use of jump seats. The Powermaster was also built on a longer wheelbase (139.5 in (3,543 mm)) than regular six-passenger DeSotos (125.5 in (3,188 mm)). A version of the long wheelbase model was used as a basis for the DeSoto Taxi
, seen in many Hollywood movies from the late 1930s through the mid-1950s.
The cars also featured a curved windshield, replacing the two piece windshield used on previous models. Passenger compartment heater, electric clock, power brakes, power steering and white sidewall tires were all available as options.
Powermasters built early in the 1953 model year had minimal chrome trim due to Korean War
demands; more trim was added as defense demands decreased.
Chrysler of Canada built the DeSoto Powermaster in both 4-door sedan and 2-door hardtop body styles, the latter not offered in the United States. The Canadian DeSoto Powermaster also used Chrysler's 265 in³ flahead I6, an engine that first appeared in the 1952 Chrysler Windsor
.
The Powermaster was dropped at the beginning of the 1955 model year, when DeSoto transitioned all of its automotive models to V8 engines.
DeSoto (automobile)
The DeSoto was a brand of automobile based in the United States, manufactured and marketed by the Chrysler Corporation from 1928 to 1961. The DeSoto logo featured a stylized image of Hernando de Soto...
division during model years 1952 to 1954. The car debuted during DeSoto's 25th anniversary, taking the place of both the entry-level DeSoto Deluxe
DeSoto Deluxe
The DeSoto Deluxe is an automobile produced by the Chrysler Corporation and sold under its DeSoto brand from 1946 through to the 1952 model year. While in production, the Deluxe was DeSoto's entry-level car, and was offered primarily as two and four-door sedans. The Deluxe range also included...
and the DeSoto Custom
DeSoto Custom
The DeSoto Custom is an automobile produced by the Chrysler Corporation and sold under its DeSoto automotive brand from 1946 until the 1952 model year...
.
The Powermaster was a full-size car, offered in pillared two and four-door sedan and station wagon models, and powered by Chrysler's 251 in³ I6 engine. For both of its years in production, the Powermaster was available as an eight passenger sedan through the use of jump seats. The Powermaster was also built on a longer wheelbase (139.5 in (3,543 mm)) than regular six-passenger DeSotos (125.5 in (3,188 mm)). A version of the long wheelbase model was used as a basis for the DeSoto Taxi
Taxicab
A taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice...
, seen in many Hollywood movies from the late 1930s through the mid-1950s.
The cars also featured a curved windshield, replacing the two piece windshield used on previous models. Passenger compartment heater, electric clock, power brakes, power steering and white sidewall tires were all available as options.
Powermasters built early in the 1953 model year had minimal chrome trim due to Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
demands; more trim was added as defense demands decreased.
Chrysler of Canada built the DeSoto Powermaster in both 4-door sedan and 2-door hardtop body styles, the latter not offered in the United States. The Canadian DeSoto Powermaster also used Chrysler's 265 in³ flahead I6, an engine that first appeared in the 1952 Chrysler Windsor
Chrysler Windsor
The Chrysler Windsor was a full-sized car built by the Chrysler Corporation of Highland Park, Michigan from 1939 through to the 1960s. The final Chrysler Windsor as known to Americans was produced in 1961, but continued production in Canada until 1966...
.
The Powermaster was dropped at the beginning of the 1955 model year, when DeSoto transitioned all of its automotive models to V8 engines.