1948 Desoto Custom Convertible
Provided by Hemmings

Values Today
Low: $9,000-12,000
Average: $13,000-15,000
High: $18,000-21,000

It's a rare day when one can find a 1946-49 Custom convertible available for sale, as one must remember that De Soto's records did not break down this model's production on a year-by-year basis; rather the production number of 8,100 represents the total built from '46-early '49. De Soto owners are staunchly dedicated to their cars, and it's more than likely that they're passed down through the generations as automotive heirlooms instead of being dragged across the estate auction blocks. The very few sales found through copious research contrasted with values fixed by both the N.A.D.A. Classics, Collectible and Special Interest Car Appraisal Guide and the Cars of Particular Interest Collectible Vehicle Value Guide provide enough information to allow us to set the present true collectible market value of this auto. Accordingly, a '46-early '49 Custom convertible in decent running condition but needing restoration will command $10,000; a mid-range driver in presentable condition should fetch in the $13-15,000 range, depending upon just how presentable it is; while a top-notch show-quality example makes a strong showing at just over $20,000. Some of the value guides assign value increases in 5% increments, based upon model year (i.e. the older the car is, the higher the price is). With this particular auto based upon the same prewar platform with few changes made in the production range discussed, this isn't an appropriate method, and the values set here apply to all year examples from 1946-early '49.

Like most other automakers, in the years immediately following WWII, De Soto continued production using its prewar chassis and bodies until enough funding and materials became available to retool for new models. The featured '48 Custom convertible traces its roots to the 1942 De Soto models, and from 1946 to early '49 all De Sotos were based on the prewar line and were subjected to relatively few changes. To differentiate the postwar from the prewar models, De Soto gave both its Deluxe and Custom Series a facelift in '46 that did away with the concealed headlamps and wide, bulging fenders. The fenders now flowed smoothly into the body sides, and the already prominent grille of the prewar De Sotos was restyled, covering almost the entire width of the front end, lending the car an imposing countenance. From '46 to early '49, each subsequent year was then slightly revised to keep it fresh looking until a new model could be introduced. All told, 8,100 Custom convertibles were built from '46 to the first quarter of '49 when the first truly new postwar De Soto line was unveiled. Standard equipment on the Custom included all of the Deluxe model's refinements plus the 236-cu.in. L-head Inline Six-cylinder engine with electric choke operation, and electric windshield wipers. Also setting it apart from the Deluxe line was its more lavishly appointed interior. Displaying a number of desirable options, including an electric top, radio, heater, clock, exhaust deflector, illuminated hood ornament, whitewall tires, and spotlight, the depicted '48 represents a true top-of-the-line Custom convertible.