DeSoto Trucks in South Africa ??

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Grizz
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DeSoto Trucks in South Africa ??

Post by Grizz » Wed 19 Dec 2012, 18:23

Not quite a muscle car, but I know many people dabble in rods, and other stuff.

Does anyone know what Desoto trucks were built and sold in SA ?

They were often technically Dodges, and built by Chrysler corporation.

I am looking for any photos and also year dates if you have photos and know.

Thanks

Grizz
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Joined: Mon 13 Aug 2012, 21:54
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Re: DeSoto Trucks in South Africa ??

Post by Grizz » Wed 19 Dec 2012, 19:33

As part of my research into buying an early 60's Chevy Pick Up truck, I have been led to a couple of other trucks.

This one is a DeSoto also knwn as De Soto or Desoto still running its original motor.

I have spent the last two hours Googling down many avenues and learned a lot, but not seen even a pic of one of these.

Has anyone seen one or knows anything about them?

They are essentially Dodge trucks rebadged, for certain markets.

Seller wants £3000.00 for it. Looks worth it to me.

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I also heard about this 1958 International, running a 350/350 3spd auto combo. Leather interior.

Seller looking for £10500.00 firm.

Whatcha think??

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Any info gratefully received.

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Johann65
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Re: DeSoto Trucks in South Africa ??

Post by Johann65 » Wed 19 Dec 2012, 19:52

Grizz wrote:Not quite a muscle car, but I know many people dabble in rods, and other stuff. Does anyone know what Desoto trucks were built and sold in SA ? They were often technically Dodges, and built by Chrysler corporation.
I am looking for any photos and also year dates if you have photos and know. Thanks
They were sold by Malcommes Motors in Port Elizabeth and were marketed as Fargo Trucks. My Uncle; Ernest Rudman, a Farmer at Glen Connor bought one when he drove his Nash through the front and rear of the Barn!!! About 1951 :D :D He later bought a Dodge Monaco in the 60's
Member No: 209
Ah! Yes I remember it well! (Only GM's!)
1966 Opel Rekord L CLASSIC SEDAN Current Project

First V8
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Re: DeSoto Trucks in South Africa ??

Post by First V8 » Wed 19 Dec 2012, 20:19

I like the De Soto more , its more in line with a classic and looks very original in its restored state . That wooden load bay must be better for the UK conditions . The price is also not bad . What are you going to do with it ? . Is it a toy or a daily work horse . ?
2010 Chev Lumina SS
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Grizz
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Re: DeSoto Trucks in South Africa ??

Post by Grizz » Wed 19 Dec 2012, 21:06

First V8 wrote:I like the De Soto more , its more in line with a classic and looks very original in its restored state . That wooden load bay must be better for the UK conditions . The price is also not bad . What are you going to do with it ? . Is it a toy or a daily work horse . ?
Desoto at R35000 is well priced. But has no papers.

I am not buying it yet..... it came to the fore while I was looking for an early 60's Chevy C10 pickup.

But it looks good.

Biggest problem is that it potentially is quite large as it has what seems t be a twin wheel rear hub.

Bearhawke
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Re: DeSoto Trucks in South Africa ??

Post by Bearhawke » Thu 20 Dec 2012, 05:18

Grizz wrote:
First V8 wrote:I like the De Soto more , its more in line with a classic and looks very original in its restored state . That wooden load bay must be better for the UK conditions . The price is also not bad . What are you going to do with it ? . Is it a toy or a daily work horse . ?
Desoto at R35000 is well priced. But has no papers.

I am not buying it yet..... it came to the fore while I was looking for an early 60's Chevy C10 pickup.

But it looks good.

Biggest problem is that it potentially is quite large as it has what seems t be a twin wheel rear hub.
Probably not: many SRW (single rear wheel) trucks with 8 lugs in the USA/Canada even today have those full floating axles, they're much less likely to lose a wheel/hub even if the axle shaft were to break since the axle shaft doesn't have to carry weight, just transmit torque :)
Bearhawke in Az, USA

1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager minivan.

Grizz
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Re: DeSoto Trucks in South Africa ??

Post by Grizz » Thu 20 Dec 2012, 10:17

Well, I woke at stupid-o-clock and went to "sleep" downstairs.

Came up when the wife and kid left for work and had a pee.... Looked down on my December copy of Classic American magazine and there it was.

1958 Dodge Sweptside on the front cover and a long article inside.

The Desoto cab looks exactly the same bit with the omission of some of the side chrome trim.

I think that is the answer then.

A CKD truck badged as a Desoto for the South African market.

Must be bloody rare.

keithroz
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Re: DeSoto Trucks in South Africa ??

Post by keithroz » Wed 25 Sep 2019, 03:52

Did you end up buying the Desoto back then? If not, do you know what came of it?

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ters
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Re: DeSoto Trucks in South Africa ??

Post by ters » Wed 25 Sep 2019, 06:18

keithroz wrote:
Wed 25 Sep 2019, 03:52
Did you end up buying the Desoto back then? If not, do you know what came of it?
viewforum.php?f=41 Please? ;)

Ters.
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