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1949 DeSoto Custom
2dr Club Coupe
6-cyl. 236.6cid/112hp 1bbl
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$22,300 CAD*
+1.8%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Jan 2025
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1946-1952 DeSoto Custom stats
Highest sale
$1,544,675 CAD
Lowest sale
$2,425 CAD
Most recent sale
$115,164 CAD
Sales
166
Photos
32 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.
Past sales
$6,094 CAD
1948 DeSoto Custom Base
6000 M
Standard
North America
Jan 28, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$11,880 CAD
1950 DeSoto Custom Base
Standard
North America
Nov 8, 2024GAA Classic Cars
View details
$22,000 CAD
1948 DeSoto Custom Base
Automatic
North America
Jan 24, 2024Barrett-Jackson
View details
$6,405 CAD
1948 DeSoto Custom Base
Automatic
North America
Oct 15, 2023Bring a Trailer
View details
$15,487 CAD
1949 DeSoto Custom Base
67000 M
North America
Aug 12, 2023Bring a Trailer
View details
$30,240 CAD
1948 DeSoto Custom Base
North America
Sep 2, 2022Worldwide Auctioneers
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Model overview
Model description
As far as car purchases go, the DeSoto was a safe, solid choice. One thing DeSoto excelled in as well was offering large families a decent car to seat up to seven or nine people in relative comfort. The top-line versions of these were called the Suburban, well ahead of Chevrolet using that name, and through 1952, the DeSoto Custom Suburban (and other 7-9 passenger cars) rode a 139.5-inch wheelbase, as opposed to 121.5 inches for the other cars. DeSotos were smooth, too, with fluid coupling standard between the engine and the transmission.
They were not fast, though. From 1946 through 1950 the DeSoto engine was the venerable 236.6 cid flathead six that made just 109 hp (increased to 112 midway through 1949). The displacement of DeSoto’s Powermaster six was increased to 250.6 cubic inches for 1951, with power now rated at 116 hp.
Various body styles were available, including club coupe, convertible coupe, two-door sedan, four-door sedan and several variants of the long-wheelbase cars.
As mentioned, the “second series” 1949 cars introduced in the spring were new, with more modern-looking bodies designed after the war rather than being simply carry-over cars (lacking the hidden headlamps of the pre-war cars).
By 1950, steel-bodied and woody station wagons were added, as was a Sportsman hardtop convertible late in the model-year. The front-end and grille of the 1951 cars were restyled, but the DeSoto Customs were largely unchanged for 1952.
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Common Questions
The value of a 1949 DeSoto Custom can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $14,367 USD for a 1949 DeSoto Custom in good condition with average spec.
The highest selling price of a 1949 DeSoto Custom at auction over the last three years was $1,544,675 CAD. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.
The lowest selling price of a 1949 DeSoto Custom at auction over the last three years was $2,425 CAD. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.
In the last three years there have been 117 1949 DeSoto Customs sold at public auction.
The most recent auction sale of a 1949 DeSoto Custom was $115,164 CAD on January 02, 2025 by AutoHunter.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.