In many ways, 1948 was a year of surprises, shocks and successes! In a celebrated photo, newly elected President Truman held up premature headlines announcing his defeat...the world was stunned by Mahatma Ghandi's assassination...and the Berlin airlift thwarted the Soviet blockade of the city. For DeSoto, however, 1948 was a year to change little on its S-11 models. It was not until March 1946 that DeSoto had introduced its first post-war series after long delays. It took time to convert back to civilian production from wartime military manufacturing, and the company made few design changes for the first few model years. The S-11 was available in two series models - the Deluxe and the Custom - and both were basically the same as the 1946 and 1947 models. The Custom model was the top-of-the-line and included tailored carpets, chrome-plated window sashes and foam rubber seat cushions. Broadcloth upholstery was available in green, blue or tan. Powered by the L-head six-cylinder engine that provided 109 horsepower, the DeSoto featured Safe Guard hydraulic brakes and standard transmission, and optional whitewall tyres were available as an option. Now, a handsome Burgandy six-passenger 4-door 1948 DeSoto with tan interior is recreated in a magnificently detailed 1:43 scale die-cast replica.

Original sticker price: $1,825
Current value: $5,000
Production quantity: 5,502

Fast Facts:
• The post-war DeSoto abandoned its hidden headlamps - a design that would not appear again until the early Corvettes.
• The speedometer changed colours in increments: green to 39 mph, amber to 50 mph, and red at 51+ mph.
• Before April 1, 1947, whitewall tyres were simulated by white plastic trim rings.

(1997)

Scale: 1:43