1961 DeSoto 2 Door Hardtop

Description

Here is a beautiful and unmolested 53000 mile 1961 DeSoto.     This particular car is a time capsule with an interesting history...It has been in the same family since purchased new and has remained in the state of Maryland its entire life.  By all indications the mileage is accurate at 50xxx. I fell in love with this car and purchased it earlier this year but I have decided to go in a different direction.  It really deserves to be preserved or restored given its incredible overall original condition.  There is a lot more to the background history but it was in good hands the entire time but circumstances caused it sit for a while so it took some work to get it drivable.  It didnt need much however,  a new fuel pump, master cylinder, a few hoses.  When I got it the previous owner was in the middle of converting it to electronic ignition which I have now completed.  He also removed the gas tank which is still out but I should have it back in soon.  The tank is in great shape so I believe it was out just to install the new exhaust system since it has a brand-new muffler and 3" tailpipe all the way back.
It starts and runs well.  The engine sounds great and the push button transmission shifts like new.  Everything works that I have seen so far except the clock and the temperature gauge.  I believe it may have had factory AC but all under hood components for that are missing.  The original front seat fabric has a few splits in the material and the arm rests need some attention. The door panels and rear interior panels are excellent.   Otherwise the interior is in stunning condition. It even still has the original OEM floor mats with the Forward Look "Flookerang" emblem!
The doors open and close like new as do the windows, hood and trunk.  All glass appears to be original.  The rear seat is near perfect as is the dash, package shelf and all interior chrome.  The original carpeting is in great shape.  The headliner has one small hole near the passenger door.
On the exterior there are small areas of surface rust giving the car an interesting patina but I cant find any perforations in the body or frame anywhere.  Its all very light surface from sitting.  All the areas that typically rot so bad just arent like that on this car. The trunk floor and lid lip are solid.  The rocker panels also show slight surface discoloration as the paint is aging but no rust to speak of anywhere.  Same with the frame, fenders and inner wheel wells,  its all just in remarkable condition.  There is an area on the lower left quarter panel that look like it may have been repainted but I cant find any body damage.  Also the inner fender wells under the hood look like they may have been painted for some reason but it certainly wasnt for rust.  The underhood area is probably where the most surface rust is and I will have some pics posted once I figure out how to post more than 24.
The stainless trim is nearly flawless over the entire car with basically one small ding.  The chrome is in very good condition with just a little pitting here and there.  The grille and aluminum insert pieces are in excellent condition.  The right front turn signal lens appears to be  melted but they are available.  There is a thin band of stainless trim that wraps around the rear end above the bumper that needs attention.  It has exposed screw heads which I doubt was the original fastening method, but the car comes with a piece that appears to be a good replacement.
Included with the car is a new set of Top Cat whiskers, a correct set of NOS wheel covers and various other spare parts I will try to list here soon.  The American Racing wheels and tires currently on the car are only a couple years old and have basically less than 50 miles on them.  It also comes with the original wheels with some cool looking vintage wide whitewalls in various states of condition, a car cover and misc paperwork including all the registration cards and many receipts back to the 1970s.
In my opinion Desoto hit it out of the park in 1961 but unfortunately this would be the final year of production for this unique and popular manufacturer.  With tail fins that start at the vent windows and end in the next county teamed with an interior that is the epitome of "space age" Chrysler's "Forward Look" era was in high gear with the 1961 models. With only 911 produced they are rarely seen these days and they draw incredible attention when on display.  The front end and grille were controversial and always start love or hate discussions but its all love for me.  Note the subtle gold anodized D E S O T O lettering in the upper grille opening, very cool.
Any questions, inspections, viewing, test drives etc are welcome BEFORE PURCHASE ONLY!!!! No warranties are implied or made. Sale as is. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer but I will assist on this end. If you would like specific pictures or any other details feel free to contact me and I will email or give you a phone number if you prefer to talk.Non refundable 0 deposit due within 48 hours of auction end. Transaction to be completed within 14 days unless arrangements are made with the seller prior. Unless paid in cash vehicle cannot be picked up until funds are cleared.
I reserve the right to end the auction early since the car is listed locally as well.   Happy Bidding!!