Aussie DeSoto Ute

[Ganmain Tony]

Nothing enlightening from me.

But Nice find!!!

Looks like it may have got a little warm in the bushfires... ???

Any more pictures. Does it have a donk?

[jack neville]

If they have the same rear canopy bows as Ford, Dodge and International utes in Aussie service I can help you out with plans on them.

[DaveBuckle]

Thanks Jack - no bows supplied, so not sure what went on back: that's where photos or other info are needed.
Thanks Tony - came from near BBay. Is not burnt: was painted in an oily black something that has served to preserve it. Guy I bought it off pressure washed most of it off to reveal the yellow.
All the shiny(ish) trim came with it - hence my interest to see how/where it was used in WW2.
Has a donk - seemed to have had a resto started: some parts cleaned up and repainted, others still detached but all there (glass, column, inner guards etc.) chain still on block ready to remove.

IMG_4738.JPG IMG_4740.JPG IMG_4742.JPG IMG_4743.JPG IMG_4744.JPG

[Mike Cecil]

Dave,

You have acquired a very rare vehicle in Australian service.

My records indicate only a small number of De Soto 12 cwt utilities (with P12-prefix chassis numbers) utilities in AMF service and only one in RAN service (in 1945). There were also a couple of sedan cars. Of course, I may not have found records of all those used by the three Australian services, but I doubt I missed very many. When you find a chassis number, please post it here. ** corrected as per Tony's post see below ***

Mike

[Tony Smith]

Ahh, so you got that! That listing was up for only a couple of hours before disappearing. Didn't think it would last long at that price.

Well done!

Mike, not a P12, it's an "SP11 12cwt GS Van". Built as a Plymouth chassis, but badged as a De Soto, hence the "SP11". Be interested to see if the engine number is prefixed SP, or just P. Should be a Canadian 25" engine of 218ci.

If your concerned about the paint, Florite in Sydney have the right shade and gloss level for Australian "Light Stone N" (or Khaki Green J, if you prefer), after some great work by an enthusiastic researcher.

[Mike Cecil]

Tony,

On checking further, I had listed the De Sotos by the chassis number prefix which is invariably shown as P12, rather than the model number, which is shown as SP11. I have corrected the list accordingly - have found only 50 with an SP11 model designation in AMF service, and another 27 listed as De Soto and model P12. All are shown with chassis numbers prefixed with P12. So even if the De Sotos listed as model P12 are actually model SP11, it still only adds up to 77 vehicles.

The more common Plymouths, which are also listed with a P12 chassis prefix, are listed as Model P11 or Model P12.

Both the De Soto and Plymouth 12 cwt utes are listed with multi-digit engine numbers without a prefix.

All I have found thus far are in the 88XXX AMF range.

In any event, still an incredibly rare item.

Mike

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

Tony,

On checking further, I had listed the De Sotos by the chassis number prefix which is invariably shown as P12, rather than the model number, which is shown as SP11. I have corrected the list accordingly - have found only 50 with an SP11 model designation in AMF service, and another 27 listed as De Soto and model P12. All are shown with chassis numbers prefixed with P12. So even if the De Sotos listed as model P12 are actually model SP11, it still only adds up to 77 vehicles.

The more common Plymouths, which are also listed with a P12 chassis prefix, are listed as Model P11 or Model P12.

Both the De Soto and Plymouth 12 cwt utes are listed with multi-digit engine numbers without a prefix.

All I have found thus far are in the 88XXX AMF range.

In any event, still an incredibly rare item.

Mike

Mike, your columns from AWM 126 are mixed around.
The Engine numbers start with P12, the Chassis numbers are multi digit numbers without prefix.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

What a great Ute, congrats on buying it!

Not a lot to add, but here goes:

This Australian list via Bill Kreiner helps to explain the Year - Model - Marque relationship: http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...126#post283126

Mike Kelly had one of these DeSoto Utes, it had the Aust. army nomenclature "SP11 12 cwt GS van" stenciled on the cowl: http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...715#post283715

Also see this post about the “PlySoto”: http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=12126

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

Be interested to see if the engine number is prefixed SP, or just P.

Either P12 or SP11/12. I would say P12, but Mike Kelly earlier referred to an
SP engine, so we'll see.

[DaveBuckle]

Had a look around - found engine number and a couple on the body. Whereabouts should I be looking for chassis number? And what's that group of four letters stand for (DPGD?) is also on inlet manifold.
Body No.JPG TJR.JPG
Engine No.JPG Engine Others.JPG