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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
  
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK | On US EBAY in Connecticut
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Adventurer-Convertible-fully-restore...
1957 DeSoto Convertible...... $290k
VIN: 50423447 | See the full History Report
Mileage: 620 miles
Warranty: --
Title: Clear
Condition: Used
For sale by: Private seller
Features
Body type: Convertible Engine: 8 - Cyl. Cylinder Exterior color: Black
Transmission: Automatic Fuel type: Gasoline Interior color: Tan
Disability equipped: No
CollapseMore Information
Options
Leather seats Convertible
Power options
Power windows Power seats
Beautiful 1957 Desoto Adventurer Convertible. This comes from a museum of finned Mopar cars. Excellent 10 year old restoration with recent freshening throughout. Details:
Overall: This is a legitimate and fully restored car. It is not a cut or otherwise tampered with automobile. Most of these are either using donor bodies from other Chrysler cars of the era or were cut including one very notable sale that occurred earlier this year. At the highest level (such as the Amelia Island or Meadowbrook Concours), it would not be unreasonable to expect recognition for this car although a best in class is probably slightly out of reach for this car currently.
Exterior: Excellent paint throughout. No rust or rust repair anywhere. The prep work for the paint was quite good and the result is excellent black paint throughout with only slight buffing marks. The chrome and trim is also excellent. There is no pitting (NONE) and no dents in any of the trim or chrome. The wheels are Kelsey Hayes and are not regarded as correct for this car by the clubs, etc. I do have a set of 4 (FOUR) decent hub caps that I will include if buy it now is used or will make available for a very reasonable cost if buy it now is not used. (NOTE: Please do not contact me looking to buy the hubcaps if you are not the buyer of this car...thanks) The top is a brand new tan top that has never been down..it is perfect (please note that a couple of the interior images were taken with the previous top down). From an exterior standpoint, this car could be shown at very high levels with confidence. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being best) the exterior is an 8.5. One the Brownell sale (1-6, 6 being worst, 1 being a trailer queen), this car is a 2.
Interior: Again, excellent restoration with barely a hint of aging. There is a very very slight crack in the top of the drivers seat. This would be very easily remedied with a redye. The carpet is 100% correct and excellent. The instruments are also 100% correct and restored to excellent condition. The other issue with the interior is the steering wheel clock which has some discoloration in the glass. I had the clock out of it when we did the top and only noticed it when reinstalling it. Using the same metrics as the exterior, the interior is a 9 (or a 2 to 2+).
The engine bay is excellent as well with recent high quality detailing throughout. It has all the correct components and has recently also undergone mechanical tune up etc so the car runs like a clock. It has the correct air cleaners and correct carburetors. It starts instantly and runs exceptionally well. There is slight dust evident from the surroundings. The engine bay is am 8.5 (2).
The trunk is also beautiful but has a stain on the inner fabric (see picture). I believe this to be the biggest 'issue' with the car. Removing it to re-dye was a concern and I did not want anyone going in the trunk with dye to try to rectify it. You can clearly see the mark in the pictures of the trunk area. It is not at all bad but it bothers me.
Underside is show detailed having just been done. Anything there would be dust only. It is detailed to a high level and looks great.
Other: We just replaced the bushings and some other rubber parts as the rubber had stiffened and separated from sitting. The car has been largely on display since restoration and only shows some 620 miles since completion.
How does this car stack up to comparables (I post this NOT to offend but to better illustrate for someone thinking about spending a lot of money on a car the actual condition of THIS car)? If you currently own one of the following cars, I apologize if I offend in any way.
1) The Milt Robson car: The Gold Standard (no pun intended) of '57 Adventurer convertibles. Bullet-proof provenance, Sold in November for $341,000. The Robson car had slightly better paint but a few fish eyes in the paint. This car has no fish eyes, but does have buff swirl marks (SLIGHT). Robson's car was otherwise nearly perfect ready to compete and win best in class at any level.
2) The 57 Heaven Museum car: That car was missing a data plate (immediate red flag) but was comparable in condition to this car. It is white (which I think is a rarer color) and sold for $287,500 appx 18 months ago.
3) Barrett Jackson #1 (sold 30 days ago) the '56 fireflight convertible restored by Bob Schmitt: Bullet-proof provenance, Sold for $363,000. Over the top resto by the best Finned restoration guy in the world. I think it would be hard to argue that this car is not only the best '56 on the planet, but probably the best Exner example on the planet today. Bob; you are amazing!!!!!!!!!
4) Barrett Jackson #2 (Also sold 30 days ago) the '57 Black convertible Adventurer. Sold for $187,500. Very old restoration and many many incorrect details. In my opinion, needs to be restored again.
Lastly, the numbers: The 57-59 Adventurer convertibles are regarded as some of the most sought after Chrysler's in the post-war era. There are believed to be about 20 1957's left, approximately 5 1958's and somewhere between 5 and 10 1958's. Sadly, these cars rusted out or the bodies were used to restore the higher dollar (at the time) letter cars 20-30 years ago.
I not only invite, but strongly encourage inspections throughout this auction. This is a great car but an expensive car and I want the buyer to be confident in knowing what they are getting. Please feel free to call me any time to set up an appointments. I intentionally waited until I have no travel to list this as I want to be available to show it. I can be reached at 860-883-3998 or by clicking the 'contact-seller' link. The car is in Westport, CT.
UPDATE: Data plate picture is blurry. We have snow here tomorrow (Monday) but I should be able to re-shoot Tuesday. Anytone wanting a pic just shoot me an email address. Here is what it says:
Data Plate for 1957 Desoto Adventurer
___________________________________________________________________
SCH SEQ BDY ST PNT TRM TR
135 345 563 APA 546
AC CC PS PB AH PW RH SS UC
4 4 5 9
SPL CS BC A B C
1832 3 6
_______________________________________________________________
Edited by Rebels-59 Coronet 2011-02-21 6:44 AM
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Expert
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Location: New Castle PA | Before you all go ga-ga over this car, you should know I'm trying to ascertain if this is legitimate or not. Those pictures (in my collection) are for a car that is owned by someone I know who does not live in Connecticut. If he's selling this car, it's news to me, and I emailed the owner to find out if the car really is for sale or if someone has hijacked all his photos from a previous auction. |
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Expert
Posts: 3480
Location: Montreal, Canada | This other thread on here make it seem like this is the seller:
http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=35054&...
Edited by soiouz 2011-02-21 9:21 AM
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Regular
Posts: 84
| Hi David, you are correct. I am a little nervous about posting here just because I am new and not particularly active. I took the pics myself with the exception of the one outdoor shot which was taken by Troy Lefevra. The car was sitting at the Taj Mahal this weekend and now it is in storage in Westport (actually being delivered today if the driver can navigate the snow).
John |
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Location: Montreal, Canada | Desoto world - 2011-02-21 9:46 AM
Hi David, you are correct. I am a little nervous about posting here just because I am new and not particularly active. I took the pics myself with the exception of the one outdoor shot which was taken by Troy Lefevra. The car was sitting at the Taj Mahal this weekend and now it is in storage in Westport (actually being delivered today if the driver can navigate the snow ).
John
Hi John! Ok, that's what I figured.
That really is a SUPERB car. Best of luck with the sale! |
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| Good image of the data plate. Sorry the one above is so bad. This is taken before the engine bay was done. I had it in my file and did not realize it. Thanks.
Edited by Desoto world 2011-02-21 2:46 PM
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Veteran
Posts: 260
| Wow, that is a gorgeous automobile...good luck with the sale. I would love something like that to take to a show around here, there are way too many Corvettes and Mustangs! |
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Location: The Mile High City | 57desoto - 2011-02-21 5:02 AM
Before you all go ga-ga over this car, you should know I'm trying to ascertain if this is legitimate or not.
Too late! I have gone completely ga-ga. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1155
Location: somerville mass | wow - stunning - its existence and provenance are proven - we'll all drool over it - a car that rare is trailered - hardly driven! but how
could you not want to drive it! and with the economy how many of us guys have that kind of coin? |
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Veteran
Posts: 260
| I am driving through several states on the way to Florida tomorrow-perhaps a winning lottery ticket may be had? (Heck, a girl's allowed to dream, aren't I?) |
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Location: New Castle PA | I know of the 2 people who owned this car prior to the current owner (now seller). The previous owner told me tonight he sold the car 3 months ago, so it IS the car I know, and apparently it really is for sale (again). |
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Location: New Castle PA | Hey, John. I'm really NOT trying to be a wise guy, but can you please explain to me how the cowltag above (which does appear to be correct for your car) suddenly is different than the one I have on file for your car (see picture)? Was the old one "wrong" somehow? I'm curious because I've heard a lot about the car and would like to have some level of confidence in your claim that "This is a legitimate and fully restored car. It is not a cut or otherwise tampered with automobile." Would you please share the motor number with us? I know some of the history of the car, which is why I'm optimistic but cautious. Thank you, and good luck in the sale. I'd love to own her but it's out of my price range.
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Location: Connecticut | When someone buys a house, there is an elaborate process involved to determine if the house is legit, so that the buyer doesn't get stuck with a misrepresentation. This car is being sold for a price that would buy a nice house in most parts of the USA. I think it should be incumbent upon the seller (or seller's agent) to produce a document proving the car's provenance. That document is available from Chrysler Historical for $45, as we all know. Ron
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | Yeah...it's called : "Title Insurance" (LOL)...
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Location: Iowa USA | Ok I will be the smartass that asks the question, what is up with the steering wheel clock retainer? It just does not look right from the pictures shown. |
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Location: Parts Unknown | Correct ! There should be a smooth taper from the horn ring to the clock face. The distance
being about 5/16" of surface on that taper. It should bright, ... no black ring. The clock should
be more recessed into the horn ring. 
I posted a photo of mine on here somewhere. I'd post it again, but those pix are on my computer
back home.
Edited by Doctor DeSoto 2011-02-23 5:38 AM
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| Ron, can you tell me how one goes about getting this report? Also, Doctor D, if you do track down that picture, could you please post or email it to me in high resolution? Many thanks. John |
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Location: Montreal, Canada | Desoto world - 2011-02-23 6:42 AM
Ron, can you tell me how one goes about getting this report? Also, Doctor D, if you do track down that picture, could you please post or email it to me in high resolution? Many thanks. John
Is this the pic you were looking for, Doc?
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Location: Fleetwood, Pa | "This car is being sold for a price that would buy a nice house in most parts of the USA. I think it should be incumbent upon the seller (or seller's agent) to produce a document proving the car's provenance. That document is available from Chrysler Historical for $45, as we all know".
This car isn't being sold at all, as of yet. The fact that it's about $100,000 overpriced (even on a good day), I doubt it will sell at all. I could ask $290,000 for my Plymouth.........that surely doesn't mean somebody's stupid enough to buy it for that amount or that it would sell for that amount.....
Edited by sidesho_bob1961 2011-02-23 7:28 AM
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| "Police Certified"...Now THAT is cool! Thanks for posting Ron. |
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Location: Connecticut | Desoto world - 2011-02-23 6:42 AM Ron, can you tell me how one goes about getting this report? Many thanks. John Hi John - Here's the link. Send 'em $45 and the info they request. Ask for a copy of the build sheet, which they have on microfilm (or hopefully on DVD by now). http://wpchryslermuseum.org/newsroom.do?id=390&mid=135 Hope things are going well with you. Ron |
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Location: Connecticut | @Sidesho_ : semantics. Car is for sale for..... etc. Ron |
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| Ron, thanks. I am getting to work on it. Also, I am trying to find the engine stamping that is being asked for. I know where they are on the letter cars but do not know on the Desotos. Any ideas? |
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Expert
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Location: New Castle PA | I sent John a pic of where to find the engine number. Let's not jump to any conclusions until we at least see that it's an Adventurer motor.
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Location: New Castle PA | BTW, if this cowl tag is correct, this car should be GOLD. APA is black-gold-black. This car is PAP (gold-black-gold). Either painted wrong or false made-up tag.
Edited by 57desoto 2011-02-23 9:10 PM
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Location: Connecticut | Ed - Does the 'alternative' tag in your earlier picture have the correct paint code ? It's kinda hard to read in your picture. Ron
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Location: New Castle PA | No, Ron. Even the tag (same car!) that is in my picture shows LPL (white-gold-white). In either case, the car body should be gold. Still no motor number from the seller, either, but he did say in an email to me that he would go out to check it. Maybe I'm starting to be paranoid about all this, BUT here is a picture of the engine that I have in my database. Is it just me, or does it look like someone ground off the motor number? Maybe it was just cleaned to read it, but it looks ground off to me... top of the block, right behind the water pump... At the very least, there's not paint there. I'm still not accusing anyone of anything for sure, but I'd sure like to have some questions answered.
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Location: The Mile High City | Alright, alright! I'm not ga - ga anymore! Is everybody happy now?  Good questions on these items, Ed! If I were to (or could) shell out $300 large for this car - these are details I would want to know, because this type of car is not a driver - it is viewed as more of an investment.
Definitely looks like LPL on the hard-to-read PNT code. Is there any possibility that this is not the same car as in Ed's files, but a new car not in Ed's database???
Edited by Lancer Mike 2011-02-23 10:27 PM
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Expert
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Location: New Castle PA | Wish it were, Lancer Mike, but I have lots of other pics of the car FROM 2 OWNERS AGO and they match up exactly with this seller's pics, plus I have the car's VIN, and know the owner previous to this one. Same car. This is PRECISELY why I encourage all 1957 DeSoto owners to give me their car's VIN, motor numbers, and pics for my database. It's protection against misinformation or even fraud. |
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Expert 5K+
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Location: Perth Australia | Not being the expert Edward is, I was looking at thr 2 cowl tag pics and in my opinion they are the same car but 2 different tags.
On the cleare picture, the screws have been undone (paint is gone from the X) and the screw on the right is at a different angle.
The wiring under the bolt thats for the heater apears to be in the exact same angle and order as the older picture.
Looking at the yellow paint check stamp (I guess thats what it is), It also looks to be exactly the same between the 2 different tags.
If the one on the car did get made for it, its a shame they messed up the paint code for how it is now.
I also agree that if I was paying that sort of money for a car, I think I would want and expect full disclosure, then
I could make my own mind up if I accept whats non genuine to the car.
It is a stunning car as a car, but as an investment, to many questions.
Mick |
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| I made the same point to Ed in an email yesterday...the yellow 'stamping' (or whatever it is) to the left of the tag is identical so I have to agree it is the same car. My guy did not find the stamping and I am going down there tomorrow to look for myself. Ed sent me the same picture that is posted here so I have a good roadmap to find it. Oh, and paperwork is being ordered from Chrysler Historical.....
Edited by Desoto world 2011-02-24 8:50 PM
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Expert
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Location: New Castle PA | John, what did you find? We're all anxiously awaiting the picture of the engine number to help verify at least one part of this puzzle. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1155
Location: somerville mass | go to kruse rm mecum etc... it may only reach 275k - mecum had the ONLY 58 FUEL INJECTED adv conv.. that was also an " investment". another word for a trailer queen.. it didnt sell.. i think the current owner
is way out in the other end of the state in west boyolston, mass. |
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Location: The Mile High City | That car has been bouncing around for awhile now. I think Tom White sold it for about a meeeeelion (said like Dr. Evil) dollars. Somebody in Florida sold it for around $600,000 and then it was recently sold for about $475,000. Either somebody is driving that car or the EFI unit is broken and only Tom White knows how to fix it! |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | ..Or, the Market is correcting itself. |
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Location: Parts Unknown | I think I'll just keep what I've got, thanks. 
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| No engine #s yet. |
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Regular
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| Sorry folks for the long winded (and long delayed) answer. The engine number is S26 A (and then it LOOKS like) 1414 (I4I4). There is no 5th digit that I can discern and I will not promise that 4th digit is in fact a 4. I am going to wait for the Chrysler historical paperwork to arrive and not mess with the engine (freshly detailed) anymore for now. Sorry I did not post earlier, it took the better part of the day Friday to get there and do this and then I wanted to speak with Ed prior to posting. Thanks.
Edited by Desoto world 2011-02-27 7:49 PM
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Expert
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Location: New Castle PA | Guys, I don't have S26-A-1414 listed in my database for another car, so that COULD in fact be correct. The February 15, 2007 Old Cars Weekly article on this car says "Before restoration, this car was a low-mileage and well-preserved original example." None of this solves the puzzle of the fact that the cowl tag was switched, or answers the question of why the car is black when the codes say it should be gold, BUT does lend some degree of authority to the idea that the car truly is an Adventurer convertible. We'll know everything once the Chrysler Historical information comes. |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | Actually, an Adventurer's VIN & P/T plate could have been transferred onto a Fireflite vert's body, huh?
The IBM card will confirm the engine number and body style and paint codes and options, so, you can at least
confirm which of the two P/T plates might pertain to 'this' car.
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Location: Parts Unknown | Ed,
Back in the 80's there was a 57 Fireflite ragtop hiding in a shop up on Capital Hill in Seattle. The owner was one
of those "Look at ME!" kind of guys and full of blustery talk about it being an Adventurer. Talking around town,
information trickled in that "the plan" was to combine a rust-bucket Adv coupe with the Fireflite ragtop and MAKE
an Adventurer convertible.
I long ago lost track of that car. Do you have it on your radar ?
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Expert
Posts: 1488
Location: New Castle PA | I know of several Adventurer clones that exist, and at least one more that is currently being made. I'm not sure of the exact car of which you speak, though, Doc... |
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Location: Parts Unknown | It was in Seattle some 20 years ago. I could prolly drive right back to where it sat,
but the years have taken the names and details from me. I seem to recall the car was
white with shell pink color insert (?).
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Expert
Posts: 1302
Location: Skaneateles,NY(summer)/Port St.Lucie,FL(winter) | The thing that raises a red flag for me is the Cowl Tag funny business. I have a bone Stock 26A in my 55, but that only serves to show that 26A engines can be had/installed in non Adventurer cars. As for the VIN tag and cowl plate...THEY could have been "transplants", too. Especially if the result can bring that sort of money... |
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WOW.. 1957 Desoto Adventurer Convertible in Connecticut
