The De Soto (later DeSoto) was a brand of automobile based in the United States of America, marketed by the Chrysler Corporation from 1928 through 1960.
The De Soto make was founded by Walter P. Chrysler on August 4, 1928. It was named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Chrysler wanted to enter the brand in the competition with the arch rivals Oldsmobile, Nash and Pontiac in middle-price class. Initially, this was quite a success for years. The last success selling year was 1957, the time when big tailfins and triple taillights were De Soto's trademark. Because the make was fitted with the same body work as the Chrysler, De Soto lost its places in hard selling market of the late 1950s.
The production of De Soto automobiles ceased on November 30, 1960, shortly after the 1961 model year was announced. However, the production of De Soto trucks built for export market still continued.
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