Poll: Which '60? (6/27/2024)

Immediate thoughts: DeSoto - OMG! Over-the-top styling. In-your-face handsome, aero-mean & hungry.

Mercury - An unsure roofline that doubles back on itself. Chrome and painted skirts; can't make up mind as to which to use so use both? Wheelcovers that cannot compete with DeSoto's wires. 

Definitely DeSoto boys, this ride rocks and rolls!

DeSoto please.

For me it comes down to which design theme I support.  By 1960 the huge fins era was ending and a trimmer, more understated look was starting to emerge.  I must say that although I still appreciate the comparatively flamboyant look of the DeSoto, Chrysler and Imperial in '60 & '61, I much prefer the "clipped" '62 versions (sans DeSoto of course).  I find the rather unique new design for Mercury in 1960 to be much trimmer and cleaner looking than the chunky and unattractive three previous years. Generally speaking, I tend to support the trimmer body design starting to show up to a degree in 1960; with '61 being the major change year for most American cars....so Mercury gets my vote today.

The wings might have been on their way out, but this DeSoto dominates over the Mercury for style and looks.

Tony has some good points. But for me, Chryco was desperately holding on to those fins while Desoto was gasping for air, unhelped by being a slightly warmed-over Chrysler. The DeSoto is striking. But the Merc is moving on and beginning a new decade with a bold and daring style for its time. I like the reverse C-Pillar, which does not always work for Mercury. Here, it does.   

By the way, it has been said that only ten dozen of the dozen cars that came from the factory with wire wheels in 1960 remain. 

I like both cars but by 1960 I was finned out. The main drawback I have to the Mercury is that my ex-wife had a 1960 Park Lane convertible when I met her oh never mind that wasn't the car's fault...Mercury

DeSoto is my choice hands down. I find the Merc too plain and dowdy looking. It'd be like the Merc would be my grandfather's car while the DeSoto would be my uncle's. 

@jkuvakas By the way, it has been said that only ten dozen of the dozen cars that came from the factory with wire wheels in 1960 remain. 

Hang on, let me get my abacus........ten dozen minus twelve equals.......wait.....what?  Lol.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

I like both cars but by 1960 I was finned out. The main drawback I have to the Mercury is that my ex-wife had a 1960 Park Lane convertible when I met her oh never mind that wasn't the car's fault...Mercury

Bob; it's nice that you can make that distinction and forgive..........the car, that is!  Lol!

It may have been an anachronism with its big fins and over the top styling, but it went out with a bang... DeSoto for me.

Posted by: @ed-glorius

It may have been an anachronism with its big fins and over the top styling, but it went out with a bang... DeSoto for me.

YES! And unlike it's counterpart Chrysler rendition, the DeSoto did NOT have a toilet seat on the trunk.

Posted by: @ed-glorius

It may have been an anachronism with its big fins and over the top styling, but it went out with a bang... DeSoto for me.

Ed;

IMHO this is going out with a BANG....

This isn't.  Do I see teardrops in those headlights?

Now ...where did that lower grille/headlight idea come from....Hmmmm?

I've said it before, it's as though the designers knew that 61 was going to be the last year for the DeSoto so they messed up the front of the car so no one would miss the brand.

@perrone1 

+1