The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.
The Desoto Custom Series S-11C Taxicab of 1946 was an exceptional example of technical innovation in the automotive industry of the time. Constructed with a full-sized 119-inch wheelbase, the cab features a spacious and comfortable interior suited for long hour drives around the city. It was affectionately known as the "taxi capri," for its outstanding design and flashy look aimed to boost the vehicle's success in the competitive taxi industry.
The cab sports a 230-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine that packs an impressive 109 horsepower, which was a significant figure for the era. The engine features a hydraulic valve lifters, which significantly reduces the need for frequent fuel adjustment and maintenance, improving the performance and efficiency of the cab. Coupled with the car's five-speed manual transmission, the Desoto Custom Series S-11C Taxicab was one of the most reliable and efficient taxicabs of the era.
In terms of braking, the cab leveraged hydraulic self-adjusting brakes, which provided the driver with an excellent stopping power even at high speeds. The front suspension features a solid axle with coil springs, while the rear side comes with semi-elliptical leaf springs, providing exceptional handling at high speeds.
The cab features a stylish streamlined body that was designed with the belief that looks are as important as mechanical performance. The car comes equipped with a distinctive V-shaped grill that was a new innovation in automobile design of the time. The headlights and taillights are large and round, and they were strategically positioned on the cab to maximize visibility, ensuring safety.
Inside the cab, the driver's seat is positioned low, giving the driver an excellent line of vision. The dashboard features a handsome ivory panel that houses the speedometer, fuel gauge, and other car controls. The passenger comfort is enhanced, with the seats upholstered with high-quality fabrics that can endure several years of continuous use.
Overall, the Desoto Custom Series S-11C Taxicab 1946 is an impressive work of automotive design and engineering, marrying innovative features with an exquisite style. It's a testament to the era's automobile manufacturing, where creativity and technological advancement were the paramount objectives.
Milestones
- Introduced in 1946 by the Desoto division of Chrysler Corporation - Equipped with a six-cylinder engine delivering 109 horsepower - Offered as a four-door taxicab model aimed at fleet customers - Featured a spacious, comfortable interior with ample legroom and headroom - Boasted a durable body construction with steel panels and reinforced chassis - Came equipped with standard features such as a heater, defroster, and radio - Featured a top speed of around 85 miles per hour and achieved up to 16 miles per gallon - Served as a popular choice for taxicab services in urban areas throughout the 1940s and early 1950s - Continuously improved and updated throughout its production run until 1954 when it was replaced by newer models.Technical
- Engine: 236 cubic inch inline six-cylinder engine - Horsepower: 109 horsepower at 3600 RPM - Transmission: three-speed manual transmission - Wheelbase: 139 inches - Length: 219 inches - Width: 76 inches - Height: 66 inches - Weight: 3,760 pounds - Brakes: hydraulic drum brakes - Suspension: independent front suspension and live rear axle - Fuel capacity: 20 gallons - Seating capacity: up to six passengers - Interior features: heater, radio, and clock - Exterior features: chrome grill, dual exterior mirrors, and fender skirts - Production numbers: approximately 12,000 produced from 1946 to 1948.CLASSIC CAR MATCHER