Rare '39 DeSoto S6 Coupe - Full restoration - Rare Pre-War Mopar - Ex Jim Rogers

Description

Here up for bids is this rare DeSoto business coupe. This car was part of the Jim Rogers collection in Las Vegas. The late Jim Rogers amassed a collection of over 200 cars, they were auctioned to benefit his charitable foundation by Mecum in February of 2015 (link). This car was held back and not part of the auction, it was given as a parting gift to the museum's curator. It was seldom used afterward and I had the good fortune to acquire this and a 1937 Dodge business coupe that was also held back, both being personal favorites of Jim Rogers. This DeSoto is an quality older restoration that has aged well, it runs and drives excellent and is ready for its next chapter in life.
Click to enlarge any of the images, OR click here to view a slideshow of all of the enlarged images.

Finished in "Cascade Blue", the car has show quality paint over an excellent body. Prep and application were first rate - trim, weatherstripping and glass were all removed during the restoration, this is nice paint.
Tires are Firestone Deluxe Champions from Coker, all in great shape.

Every piece of chrome on the car was replated, it all adds up to a very strong presentation.

Lots of nice styling cues on this car, including the peaked roof that leads into the split windshield. The only real flaw on the car is visible in the 2nd photo below, three rather large chips below the window, they have been professionally color matched and touched up. All of the car's window seals are new and all of the glass is new, all of it crystal clear.

All 38 pieces of the grill were rechromed, the result is pretty spectacular. Hood ornament and the distinctive headlights are all in outstanding condition.

Running boards are as-new. Belt line trim, hood vents, handles - they've all been rechromed.

Lights, lenses and emblems all look great.

Business coupes are known for their huge trunks and this car is no exception.

Nicely redone interior with all new materials.

The speedometer is not functional, and the gas gauge and temp gauge are inop as well. The car has a new wiring harness so I'm not sure what the problem may be, but this will need looking into. The oil pressure gauge works and shows good readings, and I took an infrared reading on the radiator hose - it's right in line at 170.

This DeSoto starts instantly on the button and runs really strong. I've driven a lot of pre-war Mopars and this is one of the best I've had. It has a whisper-quiet idle, perfect throttle response, and a suprising amount of power. It moves through the gears smoothly, brakes well, and is freeway capable. A very nice driving car.

Undercarriage shows a trunk pan replacement, otherwise all of the sheet metal is original.

Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images.

About the reserve price:
Out of fairness to all bidders the reserve is held in confidence, please just bid at the level that you'd want to pay. This auction ends Tuesday, May 17th at 9AM Pacific Time