The Iola Old Car Show - F+W Media

De Lovely De SotosDe Soto was planned as a Plymouth companion using manyshared components, but differing in having six-cylinder powerinstead of four. The plan was setup before Dodge’s purchase byChrysler was known. Named for 16th Century Spanish explorerHernando De Soto, cars utilized the family coat of arms. Introducedon Aug. 28, 1928 as a 1929 model, the first De Sotos carriedSpanish model names.A low-priced eight was added for 1930, soon departed. New1933 models broke many of the Plymouth connections and DeSoto was slotted above Dodge for the first time.Controversial and futuristic 1934 Airflow models and newunitized-chassis construction were not the best idea in the middleof the huge depression. There were no conventional models andsales tanked. For 1935, that was taken care of with the conventionalAirstream lineup. Airflow, however, stayed in the fold throughthe 1936 model year.In the 1930s, De Soto became increasingly involved in big-citytaxi production and that would continue into the 1950s. An offshootof the long-wheelbase taxis was the 1946 Custom Suburbansedan, with utility interior and roof rack.All-new 1949 models appeared after a run of holdover 1948swas exhausted. Like its stablemates, De Soto’s conservative stylingwasn’t breaking any new ground. A boost came for 1952 whenthe FireDome V-8 was added. At 276 cubic inches, it was a scaleddownversion of the Chrysler FirePower V-8. Dodge (in 1953)shared a smaller version.A mid-year 1954 model, the Firedome Coronado four-doorsedan, was added. It consisted of mainly upscale trim, but paidtribute to old Hernando, who saw little homage after that. Therewas a 1955 Fireflite Coronado sedan as well.De Sotos were all-new for 1955, but 1956 was probably themore significant year as the “Forward Look” De Sotos begot amid-year Adventurer high-performance two-door hardtop andthe brand was chosen to pace the Indianapolis 500, for which Pacesetterconvertibles were built for public sale. De Soto was even onthe cover of a Hot Rod magazine issue that year.All-new high-finned 1957 models were spectacular, a convertiblejoined the Adventurer hardtop and a lower-priced Firesweepseries all could only boost De Soto sales 16 percent, while the corporation’stally nearly rose 42 percent.Mildly changed 1958 models and only slightly altered 1959sdidn’t help sales, and for 1960, De Soto was only available in twoseries with the Adventurer just the name of one of them. Wagonsand convertibles were gone.With medium-priced cars having a rough time, some weresurprised that De Soto came out for 1961 at all. There were onlytwo models and one mild engine. After less than a month on themarket, the plug was pulled and production ended with the last of3,024 1961 examples being built on Nov. 30, 1960.The De Soto name did live on elsewhere as a line of trucks weresold in Turkey for many years.As you travel through the theme area and tent, the array ofDodges and De Sotos is sure to rev up your memory bank. If youdidn’t own one, likely your family, neighbor or friends did. Ownersof vehicles on display have their own stories to tell, makingIOLA ’11 a time travel adventure for all.We’re open. We’re nearby.We’re Delicious.There’s a Culver’s close to here that serves deliciousButterBurgers, and fresh frozen custard desserts, and lots ofother great food at a value. We’re open ’til 10 p.m. Come on by!7th St.45Waupaca St.Main St.✪51 3910Hwy 66✪W. First St.Bus. 51County Hwy I70Culver’s of Clintonville105 South Main StreetClintonville, WI 54929715-823-3285#10-5-16Welcome toDeliciousCulver’s of Stevens Point5346 Hwy 10 EStevens Point, WI 54481715-341-8666