1950 – National DeSoto Club, Inc.

1950

Sales were good in 1950, but may have been even better without the 100-day labor strike. It's remarkable that sales were still up by 18.9% at year's end, a testament to the enormity of the post-war automotive boom.

After a short-run second series 1949 model, the S-14 had a minor facelift with a new grill and peaked rear fenders. Coupes and sedans had larger rear windows and the hood ornament switched from a two-sided "flat" Hernando bust medallion to a 3-D Hernando bust. Though not visible, the brake drum size also increased from 11 inches to 12. Also new for this year was a parking brake at the tail shaft of the transmission, which utilized an internal expanding shoe.

Perhaps one of the more notable introductions for 1950 was the new Sportsman model. Though not produced until June, 4,600 were sold the first year. Essentially a convertible body with a fixed steel roof and open window areas when the windows were down, this body style was destined for immense popularity as the decade would progress. Complimenting this body was also the all-steel station wagon introduction. This would be the only year it overlapped with the sunsetting woodcrafted station wagon and would remain a DeSoto body style through 1959.

Engine: 237 c.i. 6 cylinder, 112 hp

Wheelbase: 125.5 (standard, including wagon), 139.5 (8 & 9-passenger sedans)

Los Angeles Deluxe VIN Start: 60005001

Los Angeles Deluxe VIN End: 60009175

Detroit Deluxe VIN Start: 6233501

Detroit Deluxe VIN End: 6262653

Los Angeles Custom VIN Start: 62011501

Los Angeles Custom VIN End: 62023225

Detroit Custom VIN Start: 50062001

Detroit Custom VIN End: 50148412

Production Numbers

Deluxe 4-Door 6-Passenger Sedans Produced: 18,489