59 Adventurer convert, no reserve BJ March 2021
mikes2nd
Posted 2020-12-17 10:51 AM (#606837)
Subject: 59 Adventurer convert, no reserve BJ March 2021


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000

hmm no reserve!

1959 Desoto Adventurer Convertible For Sale No Reserve 2021 Scottsdale Auction (barrett-jackson.com)

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Viper Guy
Posted 2020-12-17 6:59 PM (#606849 - in reply to #606837)
Subject: Re: 59 Adventurer convert, no reserve BJ March 2021



Expert

Posts: 2002
2000
Location: Branson, MO
The gentleman (RIP) that owned this fine automobile was the walking encyclopedia of '59 DeSotos. I don't recall how many he had over the years but do know he had several all at one time. He was the "go to" guy if anyone had a question about the '59 DeSoto no matter how simple or difficult. And I would bet that this Adventurer is most likely THE number one in the country for '59 models. It will be interesting to see what the car will bring at auction.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mike McCandless
Posted 2020-12-18 7:20 AM (#606857 - in reply to #606837)
Subject: RE: 59 Adventurer convert, no reserve BJ March 2021


Expert

Posts: 1886
1000500100100100252525
Who owned it?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
firedome
Posted 2020-12-18 9:19 AM (#606858 - in reply to #606837)
Subject: Re: 59 Adventurer convert, no reserve BJ March 2021



Expert

Posts: 3153
200010001002525
Location: NY & VT
Is this Alan Ralston's of Minnesota's former car? He died a few years ago and it had not been finished at that time, last I heard his wife had sold it to an acquaintance of Alan's and it went to Idaho. I originally found this car right here in Binghamton in the mid-80s, owned by a fellow who was a used car dealer and is still in business in Johnson City, a suburb..
On Easter weekend of that year I went to his house and looked at the car, which was a solid #3-4 running car and original. He knew even then that it was a super rare car and never put it on his lot afaik. IIRC I saw it either in the local paper or in Hemmings or Old Cars Weekly. I liked the car and it was offered to me at $5k but I turned it down as I was set on a '58 Adventured (ha!) after just having sold my black '58 NYer vert. I saw an ad Alan was running in the WPC magazine looking for a '59 Adv, called him up and told him about it. Alan was an airline pilot. He made a deal, caught a ride to NY, bought the car, and drove it home to MN. With so many '59 projects, he never got to finishing it. I talked to him a year or 2 before he died as he was re-popping some DeS floor supports, and the car was still in that status at that time. I'd imagine it finally got done by the new owner and is now for sale as shown here. Wish Alan had gotten to see it like this.

Edited by firedome 2020-12-18 9:22 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alwndup
Posted 2020-12-18 12:56 PM (#606863 - in reply to #606857)
Subject: RE: 59 Adventurer convert, no reserve BJ March 2021


Veteran

Posts: 260
1001002525
Location: SLC, UT
This episode of "My Classic Car" shows the owner and the sister car with Dennis Gage (about 2 minutes in). I've been to the show on years that both the black and white cars sat next to each other.

https://www.imdb.com/tv/watch/tt5544132?ref_=lgn_tt_wbr_fdv
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mike McCandless
Posted 2020-12-18 4:51 PM (#606874 - in reply to #606837)
Subject: Re: 59 Adventurer convert, no reserve BJ March 2021


Expert

Posts: 1886
1000500100100100252525
Is this the guy that had the fake one as well? The one that was built off a hardtop but was done to a super high level?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
firedome
Posted 2021-01-10 10:40 AM (#607580 - in reply to #606837)
Subject: Re: 59 Adventurer convert, no reserve BJ March 2021



Expert

Posts: 3153
200010001002525
Location: NY & VT
It may or may not be Alan Ralston's old car, but I was guessing that as it was named after him it might well be, though no reference was made to him as previous owner. I do know that his wife sold it to a friend of Alan's in Idaho after he passed. Alan was truly Mr '59 Desoto and had many in various body styles, as well as reproducing some of the floor supports and other structural pieces. He was a very nice guy and is sorely missed.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Fireflite56
Posted 2021-01-12 5:45 PM (#607665 - in reply to #607580)
Subject: Re: 59 Adventurer convert, no reserve BJ March 2021



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 339
10010010025
Location: Wisconsin
This (Barrett-Jackson car) is Alan Ralston's old car as confirmed by the VIN. This is a real deal, legit, correct numbers black Adventurer convertible. The current owner is Doug West of Idaho, who was a good friend of Alan and Maria, and he does also have another black convertible and a white Adventurer convertible. Possibly a hardtop Adventurer as well - I can't remember.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mike McCandless
Posted 2021-01-12 6:03 PM (#607666 - in reply to #607665)
Subject: Re: 59 Adventurer convert, no reserve BJ March 2021


Expert

Posts: 1886
1000500100100100252525
Fireflite56 - 2021-01-12 5:45 PM

This (Barrett-Jackson car) is Alan Ralston's old car as confirmed by the VIN. This is a real deal, legit, correct numbers black Adventurer convertible. The current owner is Doug West of Idaho, who was a good friend of Alan and Maria, and he does also have another black convertible and a white Adventurer convertible. Possibly a hardtop Adventurer as well - I can't remember.


I think he was the desoto meet in San Diego a few years back. Nice guy. If I'm not mistaken, one of his cars is not a real adventurer convertible, but I wasn't saying this is that car
Top of the page Bottom of the page
firedome
Posted 2021-01-13 9:13 AM (#607680 - in reply to #606837)
Subject: Re: 59 Adventurer convert, no reserve BJ March 2021



Expert

Posts: 3153
200010001002525
Location: NY & VT
When I was offered this car by Bob Vitali around 1985, a used car dealer still in business run by his son in Johnson City NY, it was a solid and decent running car, pretty much all original with touch ups. Good enough to just drive as-is, an example of a car with much patina and wear but presentable. After what's evidently been a full and correct restoration it looks fantastic, but I'd have been inclined to leave it as it was. However 35 years later I can't recall the condition of the frame and underside, but having been from this part of the country it may have needed some help there. Looking for a '58 Adv convert I passed, but no regrets, as Doc says you have to go for your true dream, no compromise. Plus I don't like black convertibles, sold my '58 NYer for that exact reason.

Edited by firedome 2021-01-13 9:16 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page