The 1956 DeSoto Adventurer Sportsman arrived as Chrysler’s high-performance answer to the luxury market, representing the pinnacle of Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” design language. This specific hardtop, identified as number 392 of only 996 units produced, serves as a premier example of mid-century technical ambition. Following a comprehensive restoration, it showcases the rare combination of Hemi-head power and extravagant styling that allowed DeSoto to briefly eclipse its stablemates in terms of raw curb appeal. Currently maintained in a climate-controlled facility, this Adventurer stands as a turnkey representative of the year DeSoto was chosen to pace the Indianapolis 500.
Two-Tone White and Adventurer Gold Metallic Sweep
The exterior silhouette is a masterclass in mid-fifties aerodynamics, featuring the factory-correct two-tone White finish accented by an Adventurer Gold Metallic side sweep. This color scheme, specific to the high-performance submodel, is complemented by matching gold wheel covers and meticulously polished brightwork. The hardtop design omits the B-pillar, creating a seamless glass profile enhanced by factory tinted windows. Functional exterior details include the dual exhaust outlets integrated into the rear bumper and a disc brake conversion hidden behind the period-correct rolling stock, providing modern stopping capability to this heavy-set flagship.
Brown Tweed Luxury and the Highway Hi-Fi Player
Inside the cabin, the environment is defined by the Gold Adventurer Pace Car trim package, featuring Brown Tweed and Gold vinyl upholstery. This six-passenger interior is a high-tech sanctuary for 1956, highlighted by the legendary factory “Highway Hi-Fi” record player and an electric clock. A padded dashboard houses the factory AM radio, while the driver interacts with a sophisticated pushbutton control pod for the transmission. Gold accents continue across the interior panels, reflecting the vehicle’s premium status and its historical connection to the Indy 500 pace vehicle aesthetic.
Dual-Quad Hemi Power and Powerflite Pushbutton Tech
At the heart of the Adventurer is the 341ci Hemi V-8 engine, a high-compression powerplant equipped with dual Carter four-barrel carburetors. This engine was factory rated at 320 hp/324 PS and 358 lb-ft/485 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful American cars of its era. Power is delivered through a two-speed Powerflite automatic transmission, famously operated via dash-mounted pushbuttons rather than a traditional column shifter. The mechanical setup is further supported by power steering and power brakes, ensuring the high-output V-8 is manageable during spirited road use.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 341ci Hemi V-8 (Dual-Quad) |
| Transmission | Powerflite Pushbutton Automatic |
| Chassis/Platform | Chrysler S-Series (LWB) |
Standing Tall Among the Chrome-Era Elite
In the 1956 market, the DeSoto Adventurer Sportsman competed directly with the Chrysler 300B and the Cadillac Series 62, yet it offered a unique performance-value proposition. Its unique selling point is its extreme rarity; with fewer than 1,000 units produced, it is significantly harder to find than the equivalent Buick or Oldsmobile hardtops. While the Chrysler 300B often takes the spotlight for Mopar enthusiasts, the Adventurer provides a more flamboyant aesthetic with its gold-anodized trim and exclusive interior features. As a low-production high-performance flagship, it remains a primary target for Mopar collectors who prioritize Exner’s design era.
Restored Reliability and Investment-Grade Provenance
Ownership of this Adventurer is supported by a comprehensive restoration that addresses both cosmetic perfection and mechanical reliability. The addition of a disc brake conversion significantly improves the car’s safety in modern traffic, making it a more usable investment than a strictly original survivor. With its production sequence number (No. 392) documented and its climate-controlled storage history, the vehicle’s long-term value retention is exceptionally high. For the discerning investor, this DeSoto represents the rare opportunity to acquire a sorted, high-output Hemi that is as comfortable on the show lawn as it is on the open highway.
A Definitive Statement of Mopar Grandeur
This 1956 DeSoto Adventurer Sportsman is a rare confluence of power and mid-century luxury. With its dual-quad Hemi V-8 and unique gold-sweep styling, it stands ready to serve as the centerpiece of any serious American automotive collection.
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Source: mecum.com
