Carjam says this one is 1956. It is an Australian-built SP25 model, which used the 1953-54 body and frame. My grandparents had one the same (also 1956) in which I drove them around quite a bit during 1968 when my grandfather had had his hip done.
More - on carjam the engine number starts with a P - that means it is a Plymouth engine - the US built short block side valve 230. The badge on the front of the fender that says Diplomat also has the word Custom. I never did find out what distinguished a Custom from a regular one.
Hey, that's my old De Soto! It was sold new in '56 to a farmer at Ruatangata, North of Whangarei. Read Evans of Tikipunga saw it sitting in a paddock at the farm and bought it in around 1977. He fully restored it and had it on the road again in 1978. I (Arthur Harsant, from Thames) bought it as a young 21yo off him in December 1981, prior to him emigrating to Australia, and have owned it ever since. It had another full panel 'n paint in 2001. It's a fabulous old wagon, and I use it all the time, so she's racked up a fair old mileage on the clock. She goes like a rocket, and has watched me grow up and go thru' life. MOPAR OR NO CAR!
Carjam says this one is 1956. It is an Australian-built SP25 model, which used the 1953-54 body and frame. My grandparents had one the same (also 1956) in which I drove them around quite a bit during 1968 when my grandfather had had his hip done.
ReplyDeleteMore - on carjam the engine number starts with a P - that means it is a Plymouth engine - the US built short block side valve 230. The badge on the front of the fender that says Diplomat also has the word Custom. I never did find out what distinguished a Custom from a regular one.
ReplyDeleteHey, that's my old De Soto! It was sold new in '56 to a farmer at Ruatangata, North of Whangarei. Read Evans of Tikipunga saw it sitting in a paddock at the farm and bought it in around 1977. He fully restored it and had it on the road again in 1978. I (Arthur Harsant, from Thames) bought it as a young 21yo off him in December 1981, prior to him emigrating to Australia, and have owned it ever since. It had another full panel 'n paint in 2001. It's a fabulous old wagon, and I use it all the time, so she's racked up a fair old mileage on the clock. She goes like a rocket, and has watched me grow up and go thru' life. MOPAR OR NO CAR!
ReplyDelete