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Hi folks,
My name is Jan Frank de Wagt and I live in the Netherlands.
Since 23th of July 2012 I'm the proud owner of a '54 DeSoto Powermaster.
We always loved the look of the DeSoto's especially the early 50's modells. So when the chance was there to buy one I could not walk passed this opportunity and bought it.
The car was imported from Canada (Ontario)early this summer and right after it set foot on Dutch ground I bought it.
It's not in showroom condition, but to be honest that's just the way I like it, it's allmost 60 years old and it shows, couple minor welding things on the rockerpanels and the spare tyre floor, but other than that it's ok.
To get Dutch papers it needed some small technicall issues solved like brake pads, and lines replaced. Front shocks were not so good any more and some new Coker white wall were bought. And after passing the Dutch tests we could get the car on the road.
Over the moon with the car, it drives excactly as I hoped it would be, just like in the old American movies 
Okay enough of the talking, picture time. Oh and if some of you recconize the car I'd love to come in contact with the former owner, just for a chat history wise.
Day 1: delivery!!
On Dutch ground, our daughter opserving if all goes to plan!
Ready to go for tech inspection for Dutch papers
@ the Dutch dragraces
First modification, certanly not the last! A split window sunvisor 
And but not least one with our little princes
Very Cool! Welcome to the world of DeSotos.
Keep us up to date!
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Jan Frank,
Welcome to the Club! At some point we must think about renaming the Club The International DeSoto Club. We have quite a few members outside the U.S., including throughout Europe. Enjoy the car and the Club!
Mark
Your car looks very nice. As a 53 owner my car is somewhat similar to yours. There are differences but I can certainly help out. Good luck and Enjoy.
That's a great car, Jan!
Congratulations and welcome!
Thnx for all the kind words people, we totally adore this car, the feel of freedom when cruising in the car is awsome
I like the thought of an International DeSoto Club Mark, makes me wanna organise a event overhere 
Your all invited!!
And there will certanly be things I'm gonna ask on here Paul, the technique of the 40's and 50's cars is not difficult but sometimes when searching for parts a helping hand can be very helpfull
...sometimes when searching for parts a helping hand can be very helpfull
Amen to that, Brother! 
Had a good weekend working on (perfecting) the DeSoto again.
Wanted somewhat a surf look to the car, so what too do!
Look for an old surf board and a roofrack
Allso wanted to lower the car a bit in the rear, too give it a somewhat taildragger look
Making some lowering blocks 80mm!!
Result!!
Hope you like it, me personaly I love it, and best of all it handels even better than before.
That is very interesting my friend! I have not thought of lowering mine but it is an idea..
Best of luck to you!!
Jan Frank,
Thanks for sharing the progress on your beautiful 54 DeSoto. I'm amazed at what you have accomplished in a short time. Your car is quite rare even here in the States. There are only 6 Powermaster models out of the 77 total 54 DeSotos owned by NDC members according to the 2012 Club roster.
Does your car have the original six cylinder 116 hp engine? Did you remove the sun visor pictured earlier? Did you put radial tires on your car?
Keep us posted.
Mac
Jan Frank, you have been busy for sure. I am not sure how you lowered the car or why it was needed. My suspension over the years has dropped down but based on your photo yours is down further. The car looks real good - a real nice alternative to an SUV or SAV. I like it! Enjoy.
I can certainly help out on Suppliers. I have a very extensive list. I can email it to anyone that wants it. I may modify it for mass distribution but it is all from the internet - just put into one place. I have some technical knowledge - but I have never had to repair a transmission.
Hi Guys,
Thnx for the kind words, and I can surely say that this car will be with us for as long as I live! We/I love the model of the car and the rareness of the model, there are only a handfull of DeSoto's in Holland.
@Mac, it's a numbers matching DeSoto 
and the sunvisor was on for trial fitting in the first pictures, it will go back one ones I'm satisfied on the brackets I made. I rather have orginal ones, so if someone have some or know some who have orginal brackets that would be even better. And I bought new Coker old skool diagonal tyres,it just fits best to the car I think, although the handeling would be much better with radial tyres!!
@Paul, It was indeed a little lower than stock I think, but I really love the "taildragger style"so took it up a notch and lowered it an other 80mm in the rear,front is stock hight
And about the distrubution list for parts, I love too have a list with all suppliers. So if you would email it i'd be grathefull. scoobyfreak3@hotmail.com
Jan Frank
BTW is that your '54 in picture Paul? I love the two tone color scheme!!
Jan Frank, yes it is my car. It is actually a 53. Give me till this weekend for the list.
Ah yes Paul, now I see, the blinkers give it away.
I'm in no hurry, no parts needed atm, but such a list can come in very handy some day!
