Today’s Resting Classic

In the short stretch of Old Belfair Highway between Kitsap Muffler and Sam Christopherson Avenue, there’s a large level lot full of old cars, trucks, boats, and heavy equipment. I have driven past it hundreds of times without paying much attention. This afternoon, a 1959 DeSoto parked in the lot’s east entrance caused me to take notice. DeSotos haven’t been made for 50 years so I had to stop for a photo.

I like all old American cars in general, but models from the late 1950’s are my favorites. The more chrome, fins, big engines, and two-tone paint on the road—or at least at car shows—the better. This one is a great example of all of the above. Surely it can’t have been there long, although an almost-flat rear tire attests to some longevity.

By 1959 rumors were spreading that DeSoto’s days were numbered. There were too many competing models on the market for DeSoto to maintain its niche as a big comfortable mid-priced family car. Production in 1959 amounted to only 45,724 vehicles, down from 1957’s all-time high of 117,514. When Chrysler made plans to produce low-priced compacts like the Dodge Dart and Plymouth Valiant in the coming new decade, the DeSoto line was left out. The company did produce a 1961 DeSoto, but it was just a facelifted 1960 model. After sales stumbled early in the model year, Chrysler discontinued production in November 1960.

I am curious whether the DeSoto got there under its own power or whether it was towed in. There was no way to check the rear license plate to see when it was last registered without trespassing. It does seems to be blocking removal of other items in the lot like the boats so perhaps it runs and can be easily moved. Hopefully, it’s just resting there and with some TLC will be back on the road soon.