1952 DeSoto Deluxe

4dr Sedan, 8-pass.

6-cyl. 250cid/116hp 1bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$13,600 CAD*

+37.4%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$5k$10kOct 2024
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1946-1952 DeSoto Deluxe stats
Highest sale
$83,490 CAD
Lowest sale
$3,531 CAD
Most recent sale
$17,923 CAD
Sales
19

Photos

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1948 DeSoto Deluxe
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Model overview

Model description

Like most American auto manufacturers, Plymouth and DeSoto returned to peacetime projects after World War II with somewhat upgraded 1942 models, though in DeSoto’s case the changes were fairly significant. For one, the 1946 DeSoto lost the handsome hidden headlights, which meant front fenders had to be reworked, and the waterfall grille was modified to incorporate park lights. Rear fenders covered more of the wheels, and bumpers were wrapped further around. Mechanically, some wartime expertise was incorporated by including new aluminum pistons and a rotary oil pump with airplane oil filtration for the traditional 236 cubic inch, 109-bhp L-head six-cylinder engine. A three-speed transmission was standard, but the buyer could vouch for an optional fluid drive, otherwise known as the Tip-Toe Hydraulic Shift.

The four Deluxe and seven Custom models would change little in the next three years, until the full-width body was introduced during the 1949 model year in December. Sales had risen steadily, with 62,368 cars in 1946, 82,232 in 1947 and 93,369 sold in 1948. The most monumental model in this period was the ubiquitous taxi, seen in every musical at the time. In the Deluxe line, 11,600 taxis were delivered in 1948, and would remain in service for years.

In keeping with other manufacturers, DeSoto introduced a full-width line in 1949 and the Deluxe got a woody wagon for one year, of which only 850 examples were built. Total Deluxe sales were 23,495 out of 107,174, the remainder being Custom models. For 1950, Deluxe sales roles to 33,327. The woody wagon was replaced by a long-wheelbase Suburban, though only 235 were sold, and taxi business contributed 2,350 sales to the Deluxe line.

For 1951 and 1952 the taxi business continued to be a strong part of the DeSoto Deluxe line with 3,550 long wheelbase California taxicabs sold. The big news for 1952 was Chrysler’s launch of the DeSoto Firedome series with a 276 cubic inch Hemi V-8. In 1953, the Deluxe and Custom lines would be dropped in favor of the V-8 Firedome and six-cylinder Powermaster.

Vehicle specifications

  • Vehicle Length208.3 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches125.5 in
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Common Questions

The value of a 1952 DeSoto Deluxe can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $9,867 USD for a 1952 DeSoto Deluxe in good condition with average spec.

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.

All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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