Jim,
You have found a real treasure. While your find is far from my area of
expertise (it was built the same year my DAD was born), I can look up
info in reference books just as good as the next guy!
According to my Don Butler book, your car could be a Deluxe Airstream
Business Coupe, Custom Airstream Business Coupe, or Custom Airstream
Rumble Seat Coupe. Production numbers are 2592 (@$695.00), 940 (@
$745.00) and 641 (@ $795.00) respectively.
I think the Deluxe version can be easily distinguished by its flat,
one-piece windshield and dividerless rear window. Custom cars had split
front and rear glass, plus a chrome chevron on each front fender. The
cars originally had "Airwheel" 6.25x16 tires on pressed steel spoke
wheels for what Chrysler called "Magic Carpet Ride."
Power was via a 93 horsepower, L-head 6 cylinder engine and a helical
cut gear transmission with spiral bevel gear rear axle. An overdrive
transmission was optional and that came with a hypoid rear axle. The
book also mentions "pivoting panes in the front windows could be lowered
with the main glass" so that sounds like it was standard equipment.
DeSoto advertised that these cars were designed under the supervision of
Ray Dietrich, chief of design for Chrysler.
While i have steered clear of earlier discussions of originality vs.
modern improvements, IMHO even CONSIDERING rodding this rare find should
get you sent to jail. Directly to jail. Do not pass go. Do not
collect $200.00
Pete in PA
Subject: IML: Please WELCOME New Member, James "Timberwolf" (1936
DeSoto)
New Subscriber(s): Timberwolf
Email Address is: jtamarq@xxxxxxx
Member Location: Alaska
Car(s) owned: 1936 desoto airstream coupe(in primer)
Self-Introduction: Just purchased this rust free stock car with 87k
miles on
it.It has been storage for over 40 yrs.I will be the 3rd owner
I'am looking to find ANY information on this car,such as production
#s,(vin
#) options(mine has vent door windows,they work as normal vents,but when
you
lift a lever the vent window and the door window rolls down, still
trying to
figure that out!) Any information regarding this car and possibly it's
value
kept stock or rodded will greatly appreciated.The previous owner was
very
reluctant to let it go.I found it in Oregon ,and it happened to be 4
houses
away from a friend I grew up in Calif.Wierd. Thanks,T..Wolf
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