The 1959 DeSoto Adventurer two-door hardtop for sale on eBay exemplifies the bold styling of American cars in the 1950s.
Virgil Exner, the legendary Chrysler styling chief, offers acres of chrome leading to the gigantic fins in the back. Signature mid-century style is seen in the wraparound windshield, two-tone paint, dual rear antennas, and a set of wide whitewall tires.
The Adventurer stood at the top of the DeSoto lineup in 1959. It was distinguished by its long list of standard features and more powerful engine. This impeccably restored Adventurer, one of just 600 produced, has 65,341 miles on the odometer.
20 Feet of Chrome
The DeSoto’s pillarless hardtop creates an open and airy feel. The Adventurer measures 20 feet in length. That’s a big canvas for the full-length gold side spear and matching gold trim, badging, and wheel covers.
The matching interior continues the black and gold theme. For example, the list of original equipment includes:
- Factory air-conditioning
- A working push-button AM radio
- Power steering and brakes
- Push-button controls for the transmission
Notice the push-button control of the automatic on the far left of the dash?
The push buttons control a conventional automatic. The buttons replace levers used by most manufacturers at the time. Chrysler used push buttons on most of their automatics from the late 1950s through about 1964. Buttons were labeled P,R,D, and in this case there was also a 1 and 2 for first and second gear.
By the way, Edsel also used push buttons on some models. Mounting those buttons in the middle of the steering wheel was not a good idea.
The DeSoto Adventurer’s original rare swiveling front seat make it easy to get in and out. Read this: Swivel Seats Through the Years, and for the Future, Too
Meanwhile, everything in the jet-age cockpit presents as new. The original manual, still with the car, supplies instructions for operating the accessories.
Focus on the Front and Rear Fascias
The bold front and rear fascias exude the confidence of a late 1950s Exner design. They style takes cues from the era’s space program and with an optimistic look to the future.
Up front, prominent quad headlights over a massive split grille lend a powerful and menacing look. There’s a ton of chrome, including the DeSoto name boldly spelled out across the hood.
In back, rocket-inspired fixtures house stacked tail and backup lights, encased by some of the largest fins ever offered on a passenger car. Gold accents complete the look front and rear.
350-HP Powertrain
What truly sets the Adventurer apart from lesser DeSotos is the original 383-cubic-inch Wedge V-8 with two Carter four-barrel carburetors. The setup is good for 350 horsepower.
The engine compartment is immaculately detailed. It continues the same color scheme using matching gold air cleaners and valve covers to contrast with the black engine compartment. The transmission is a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic, controlled by push buttons mounted on the left side of the dash.
The underside is just as clean as the rest of the car. It’s a testimonial to the light use and meticulous care this car received over decades. No detail is overlooked—down to the trunk with its spare tire and cover.
Priced at $69,900, this spotless DeSoto Adventurer is a time capsule of 1950s motoring history.
