Poll: Which '57? (5/24/2026)

Posted by: @ed-glorius

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Speaking of 1958, yesterday I learned there was a French market DeSoto; front clip DeSoto, rear clip Plymouth. This was news to me.

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Yes. Chrysler exported a special line called the DeSoto Diplomat specifically for markets outside North America, including France, Belgium, Germany, and other European countries.

These export DeSotos were not U.S.-spec Fireflites or Firedomes. Instead, they were built from Plymouth bodies with DeSoto styling grafted on.

@ed-glorius I believe there was one such example even earlier in France using the basic Plymouth '56 body?  Also used the earlier '53? body for same in Oz and/or NZ?

Thanks to both of you... fascinating and I'm rarely flummoxed.

Posted by: @graeme-ogg

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I am a fan of the Forward Look so would tend to go with the De Soto, although the Olds in the pic does look quite pretty.

Looking forward a year to the 58's, the De Soto was tarted-up and looked a bit untidy compared to the '57, but when you look at what they did to the Olds for '58 it makes most folks want to weep.

‘58 GM = 🤮

Posted by: @brush

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Like them both, a tie today. If the DeSoto was the single headlight it would have been my choice today. 

You’ve made a good point on the single light design Brush. I’m tending to agree with you and had not given that design much thought before even though its right in your face and can’t be unseen. 
Steve +1

 

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A long time fan of the '57 Oldsmobile. The DeSoto is just another look-a-like offering from the Chrysler Corporation.

Gents, thanks for your replies.