Image of 1951 Desoto S-15, sourced from www.flickr.com , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1951 DeSoto S-15 is a testament to American automotive craftsmanship, a gleaming jewel that emerged from the post-war boom of innovation and design. Born from the assembly lines of the DeSoto division of Chrysler, this vehicle encapsulated the essence of luxury and forward-thinking engineering for the era. Notably, the '51 DeSoto gained fame for its pioneering "Airfoil" lights, a feature that tucked away the headlights behind a sleek grille, only to be revealed at nightfall. This unique touch not only set it apart aesthetically but also marked it as a symbol of the era's push towards futuristic design.

Design and Innovation

With its voluptuous curves and chrome-laden body, the 1951 DeSoto S-15 was a head-turner. The exterior styling exuded confidence with its long, flowing lines and distinctive tail fins that would become a staple of the decade's automobile design. Inside, passengers were treated to an opulent environment where plush fabrics and top-notch materials were the norms. The dashboard was an artful display of functionality and style, featuring a radio, heater controls, and a clock that were considered high-tech luxuries at the time.

Color options ranged from stately shades to vibrant hues, with popular choices including Iridescent Gray and Aztec Tan. The DeSoto S-15 came in several body styles including sedans, convertibles, and hardtops, with the Custom Convertible proving to be an iconic favorite among enthusiasts for its elegance and open-air driving pleasure.

Historical Significance

The 1951 DeSoto S-15 didn't just capture attention for its looks; it also left an indelible mark on automotive history. It was among the first to offer an automatic transmission called "Tip-Toe Shift" with Gyro-Matic, which allowed drivers to enjoy smoother transitions between gears—a luxury in those days. This innovation signaled a shift towards more driver-friendly vehicles and underscored DeSoto's commitment to advancing automobile technology.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood lay a robust 236 cubic inch flathead six engine that delivered adequate power for its time. While top speed and acceleration figures might not compete with modern sports cars, the DeSoto S-15 held its own with respectable performance for daily driving in the early '50s. Handling was characterized by a soft ride quality typical of the era's American cars—floaty over bumps yet stable on straightaways. Driving this classic was about enjoying the journey rather than racing to the destination; it was about the throaty hum of its engine and the leisurely pace of travel in a bygone era.

Ownership Experience

The 1951 DeSoto S-15 served various roles ranging from dependable family transport to a weekend showpiece at classic car rallies. Its reliability was commendable for its time, though modern owners should expect maintenance to be part of the classic car experience. Parts may require some searching, but clubs and enthusiast networks provide valuable support for those looking to keep their DeSotos running smoothly.

Fun Facts

This classic has seen its share of limelight with appearances in period films and ownership by notable personalities adding to its allure. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set sales records for DeSoto at the time. Criticisms were few but often pointed towards its hefty fuel consumption—a minor quibble against its many positives.

Collector's Information

The 1951 DeSoto S-15 remains a cherished piece among collectors today. While exact production numbers are hard to pin down, it's estimated that tens of thousands were produced across all body styles. As for value range, well-maintained models can fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on condition and originality—appreciating assets that continue to captivate classic car enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The 1951 DeSoto S-15 is more than just an old car; it's a rolling piece of art that embodies an era of optimism and progress. It stands as a proud example of mid-century American automotive heritage—a vehicle that continues to turn heads and stir hearts with every graceful mile it travels.

1951 DeSoto S-15 Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D-BN 16Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D. X 1-1/8" high, with 1/2" I.D. Each

1951 DeSoto S-15 Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-3/8" bottom O.D-BN 7Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-3/8" bottom O.D., 1-3/4" high, with 5/8" I.D. Each

1951 DeSoto S-15 Gravel Shields. Molded flat without metal backing plates-FS 31Gravel Shields. Molded flat without metal backing plates. Apply with contact cement. 18" long X 9-3/4" wide at bottom. Pair

1951 DeSoto S-15 Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair-HR 14Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair

1951 DeSoto S-15 Door Lock Pad. 1-3/8" O.D. Each-MP 551-CDoor Lock Pad. 1-3/8" O.D. Each

1951 DeSoto S-15 Tailgate Pads, for Station Wagons. 6-5/8" wide X 5" long-MP 551-DTailgate Pads, for Station Wagons. 6-5/8" wide X 5" long. Pair R&L

1951 DeSoto S-15 Trunk Hinge Pads. For Station Wagon-MP 663-NTrunk Hinge Pads. For Station Wagon. 3-5/8" wide X 8-3/4" long. Set

1951 DeSoto S-15 Tail Gate Handle Pad. 2-3/4" wide X 5-7/8" long-MP 663-OTail Gate Handle Pad. 2-3/4" wide X 5-7/8" long. For Station Wagon. Each

1951 DeSoto S-15 Back-Up Light Pads. For Station Wagon-MP 663-PBack-Up Light Pads. For Station Wagon. 4-3/4" wide X 5" long. Pair

1951 DeSoto S-15 Tail-light Pads. 6-5/8" wide X 5" long. Pair-MP 663-QTail-light Pads. 6-5/8" wide X 5" long. Pair

1951 DeSoto S-15 Door Handle Pads. For Station Wagon-MP 663-RDoor Handle Pads. For Station Wagon. 1-1/2" wide X 2-3/4" long. Pair

1951 DeSoto S-15 Cowl Vent Seal. 3-1/2" wide X 17" long. Each-RP 100-PCowl Vent Seal. 3-1/2" wide X 17" long. Each

1951 DeSoto S-15 Clutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair-RP 31-JClutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair

1951 DeSoto S-15 Rumble Seat Step Plate Pad. Rubber face only. 4-1/4" O.D-SP 17Rumble Seat Step Plate Pad. Rubber face only. 4-1/4" O.D. Each

1951 DeSoto S-15 Rear Roll-Up Side Quarter Window Seals. Each piece 15" long-VS 3-BRear Roll-Up Side Quarter Window Seals. Each piece 15" long. Pair R&L

1951 DeSoto S-15 Rigid division-bar run channel-WC 31-96Rigid division-bar run channel. Made with very soft felt lining. Used on front and rear door side windows. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1951 DeSoto S-15 Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 4-96Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1951 DeSoto S-15 Rear Vent Window Seals. Replaces OEM #1243378. Pair R&L-WR 2302-RRear Vent Window Seals. Replaces OEM #1243378. Pair R&L

1951 DeSoto S-15 Front Vent Window Seals-WR 2704Front Vent Window Seals. For all convertibles and '50-'52 2-door hardtops. Pair R&L