Holden built the body of this beautiful 1929 DeSoto Model K Tourer less than a year after the DeSoto brand was born. It was launched as a division of Chrysler and shared many parts with other divisions, especially Plymouth. This first model from the brand is a very useable vintage car that has many features unusual for its era and which today make it easy to drive and own. It has Lockheed four-wheel hydraulic brakes that today are very effective at pulling up the car. It has rubber engine mounts for smoothness at idle and cruising, and electric wipers and starter motor. The engine is a straight-six side-valve with a 174.9 cubic-inch capacity (2.87-litres) driving through a three-speed non-synchro gearbox. The power rating is 55hp (21.6hp tax rated). DeSoto made 81,065 cars and chassis in its first year with coach builders supplying a range of body designs. This example is believed to have spent its life in Australia and mainly in WA. The first owner had the car until he died at age 85 and it has subsequently had only two owners. It is the subject of an older restoration which still holds up very well today. The bodywork renovation includes substantial work on the timber frame so the doors close securely and with a quality clunk. The seat material is vinyl and is in excellent condition. The hood and the spare-wheel cover - with the car brand and year - are also in perfect order. It has restored timber artillery wheels with 19-inch rubber. The dashboard and its gauges, including the unusual rolling drum speedo, are in working order. Recent work includes overhauling the carburettor. It now runs perfectly, starting by key ignition then floor-mounted foot pedal press to engage the starter motor. At idle it is almost inaudible and remains very smooth through its rev range. The engine, typical of its design, is remarkably torquey and can easily pull from 90-degree corners in third (top) gear - handy for those who have yet to perfect double-declutching. It has excellent steering feel and lightness, even when parking. The brakes are very effective and the engine performance and cruising speed are more than adequate. It is very comfortable and will accommodate six occupants with plenty of leg and headroom. The car comes with side curtains. This vehicle can be inspected in Perth. Additional information, walk-around video and photographs are available. Please request video. Please ask about additional services at buyer’s cost including transport and inspection reports.
