Thiscar was purchased new in Whittier, California in 1955 by Ethel W. King. Ethel was born October 15, 1895 and died April 2, 1994 at age 98. She was 60 when she bought the Desoto and was a school teacher all her career at Whittier High School. The pictureshown was a photo of her in the 1950 Whittier High School yearbook, she was 55. Later in life, when it was difficult for her to drive, she could be seen with her helper driving and Ethel inthe passenger seat holding a walker. She was commonfixture in the Desoto all the 39 years she owned it.
Uponher passing, her niece inherited the car and lived inOregon. It remained with her unused for many years until it was sold. Since then the car has been refreshed. This information comes from a neighbor who had a great interest in Ethel and this 1955 Desoto. Hestate that the 50,000 miles showing is correct.
The Desoto was repainted sometime ago and was finished to a nice quality. Originally the center insert down the side was finished in black. The existing original glass is in very good condition. The sides are very straight and the doors hood and trunk fit smoothly. Much of the chrome has been refinished and done to a high quality. The remaining chrome is good for being 61 years old with some minor pitting.
The interior is nice. The seats, door panels, headliner and carpets are excellent. The dash is original and in good condition. Desoto didn't have long lasting dash chrome. There is some pitting but very presentable.
The motor runs like a watch. It was removed and highly restored. The transmission shifts smoothly and the brakes work well. Drives nicely at 60 mph with power steering. The Desoto is quiet and tight. The tires are well over 40 years old and work ok. Might want to replace them.
The underside of the car is solid with no patch panels. This is a lovely Desoto that can be used daily and shows well in car shows.
Included in the sale are some documents in Ethel’s handwriting showing each time she fueled the car.
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