1933 – National DeSoto Club, Inc.

1933

1933 was a recovery year for most auto manufacturers as the country was coming out of Great Depression. Walter P. Chrysler was arguably one of the most prepared for this as he had continued investing in engineering and production even in the worst of the depression years. Unfortunately, DeSoto would drop in sales from 1932 while other divisions (such as Plymouth and Dodge) enjoyed large gains, despite DeSoto being newly-tooled for the fourth time since its inception. One explanation for this is the all-new Plymouth and Dodges for that year. The Dodge in particular could be had for approximately $165 less than the DeSoto and had a better power-to-weight ratio, with only 4 hp less to start the year but 524 pounds less weight.

The new SD model, which replaced the SC model in 1932 and was available as both a Standard and (fancier) Custom, carried over some familiar features, such as the floating engine mounts and rounded grille. New features and options included an updated interior, new exhaust valve inserts (standard), automatic choke and automatic manifold heat control (standard), coincidental starter and accelerator pedal (standard), thermostatically controlled cooling system (standard), all-silent 3-speed transmission (standard), flex-beam headlights (standard: the left headlight was able to be directed downward when another car approached while the right headlight stayed up to illuminate the roadside), Free Wheeling (standard), Duplate safety glass windshield (standard) and window glass (optional), and an automatic clutch (optional).

In June 1933, DeSoto production was moved from the Plymouth plant to the Chrysler plant on Detroit's East Jefferson Ave., which was a sensible move since the SD DeSoto was Chrysler-shared rather than Plymouth-shared and also allowed for more needed Plymouth capacity. This move also coincided with the change from 79 hp to 82 hp, which was almost the same as the Chrysler engine. Around the same time, a number of items from the Custom line were included on the Standard cars at no increase in price. Eight new colors were added and a midyear price cut averaging $60 also contributed to a midyear bump in sales, which was indicated by a strong finish to the year.

Engine: 217.8 c.i. 6-cylinder; 79 hp to start the year with a bump to 82 hp in June. An optional Read Head high compression cylinder head was good for 86 hp.

Wheelbase: 114 3/8 inches

U.S. Standard Serial Number Start: 5056001

U.S. Standard Serial Number End: 5068056

Canadian Standard Serial Number Start: 9602675

Canadian Standard Serial Number End: 9603039

U.S. Custom Serial Number Start: 6013001

U.S. Custom Serial Number End: 6023403

Serial number source: 1934 DeSoto Master Parts List

The serial number can be found on the right front door hinge pillar post.

Production Numbers

Standard Business Coupe: 800

Standard 2-Door Brougham: 2,436