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The last 1961 DeSotos were indeed built on
November 30th of 1960. Since some Chrysler models were built on the same
production line interspersed with the DeSotos, the DeS VIN numbers are not
consecutive. I have done research with Chrysler Historical to be
able to tell you for a fact that 611315102 was the highest DeS VIN in 1961 and
this car left the plant on Dec. 29th. To date, every DeS verified to have
been built on Nov 30 has been a 2 door hardtop as they apparently had
extra 2dr bodies without orders and simply used them up. The VIN,
body number, build date and other info are on the data tag on the left
door pillar.
The highest DeS VIN that is extant is 6113134667, a
2 dr ht built Nov. 30 which was perhaps the last DeSoto to leave the plant on
Dec. 30th. It was sold by Howard Motors in Louisiana. I have
information on the location of the car and photos. It is owned by an
apparent recluse who refuses to sell the car as it was her mother's. It
has sat outside in tall grass long enough that it has sunk into the dirt and is
now resting on its rocker panels.
Anyone with knowledge of a '61 DeSoto, whether
owned by yourself, a neighbor or in a junk yard, is requested to contact Dean
Mullinax, DeSoto Club president, DeS4me@xxxxxxxxxxx and is asked to
provide some information for a database of the last DeSotos.
RIP DeSoto.
Wayne
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