The DeSoto was a companion brand at Chrysler Corporation from 1928 to 1961. During this time, more than two million DeSoto cars and trucks had been made. But sales declined in the late 1950s and it was becoming evident that there was no longer a need for a fifth model in the Chrysler portfolio. This 1960 top-line Adventurer was from the brand’s next-to-last year in production. It looks like a beautiful survivor-quality automobile with just 63,000 miles. Originally from Arizona and now in Vancleave, Mississippi, this winged avenger is available here on eBay where the bidding holds at $14,100.

An extension of the “Forward Look” cars that began in 1957, the 1960 DeSoto’s perhaps wore the best styling of the breed and maybe even the entire Chrysler line-up. Yet, sales were off, and the decision was made for the 1960 model year to integrate Chrysler and DeSoto products into a single division. That ended up shrinking the DeSoto from four entries to two: the Fireflite and Adventurer. Convertibles and station wagons disappeared, as well. This move confused buyers because there was little difference between Chryslers and DeSoto’s and they were similarly priced. As you might guess, sales declined further in 1960.

Total DeSoto production dropped to 26,000 units for 1960, with 11,600 being Adventurers and – of those – about 5,700 were 4-door sedans like the seller’s beautiful car. Seeing that the time had come to move on, Chrysler announced that the DeSoto would be terminated early into the 1961 run – almost a year to the day after Ford did the same regarding the ill-fated Edsel. The seller’s car presents well, but there is no mention of how much of the car is original and how much is restored, if any. The red and white two-tone paint looks great, but it’s applied differently than in any other photos I’ve seen of these autos.

We’re told that the previous owner in Arizona had kept the car in storage for more than 20 years, then it moved to Mississippi to join the seller’s collection. Mechanically, the DeSoto is original, including the 383 cubic-inch “Golden Lion” V8 engine. It’s paired with Chrysler’s push-button automatic transmission and factory air conditioning that has vents sitting on the top of the dashboard. And it works!

The mechanical well-being of this snappy-looking DeSoto has been enhanced by a recent tune-up, carburetor rebuild, and new brakes. All the filters and fluids have been changed, too. This is a good-running automobile that hasn’t seen a lot of action in the bidding department – yet. With no reserve, this auto from near the end of the line for the storied brand might turn out to be a bargain.