Aussie DeSoto Ute

[Mike Cecil]

Tony,

On checking further, I had listed the De Sotos by the chassis number prefix which is invariably shown as P12, rather than the model number, which is shown as SP11. I have corrected the list accordingly - have found only 50 with an SP11 model designation in AMF service, and another 27 listed as De Soto and model P12. All are shown with chassis numbers prefixed with P12. So even if the De Sotos listed as model P12 are actually model SP11, it still only adds up to 77 vehicles.

The more common Plymouths, which are also listed with a P12 chassis prefix, are listed as Model P11 or Model P12.

Both the De Soto and Plymouth 12 cwt utes are listed with multi-digit engine numbers without a prefix.

All I have found thus far are in the 88XXX AMF range.

In any event, still an incredibly rare item.

Mike

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

Tony,

On checking further, I had listed the De Sotos by the chassis number prefix which is invariably shown as P12, rather than the model number, which is shown as SP11. I have corrected the list accordingly - have found only 50 with an SP11 model designation in AMF service, and another 27 listed as De Soto and model P12. All are shown with chassis numbers prefixed with P12. So even if the De Sotos listed as model P12 are actually model SP11, it still only adds up to 77 vehicles.

The more common Plymouths, which are also listed with a P12 chassis prefix, are listed as Model P11 or Model P12.

Both the De Soto and Plymouth 12 cwt utes are listed with multi-digit engine numbers without a prefix.

All I have found thus far are in the 88XXX AMF range.

In any event, still an incredibly rare item.

Mike

Mike, your columns from AWM 126 are mixed around.
The Engine numbers start with P12, the Chassis numbers are multi digit numbers without prefix.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

What a great Ute, congrats on buying it!

Not a lot to add, but here goes:

This Australian list via Bill Kreiner helps to explain the Year - Model - Marque relationship: http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...126#post283126

Mike Kelly had one of these DeSoto Utes, it had the Aust. army nomenclature "SP11 12 cwt GS van" stenciled on the cowl: http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...715#post283715

Also see this post about the “PlySoto”: http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=12126

[DaveBuckle]

Thankyou Hanno, Tony, Mike - all most helpful - so I have to push wifey's horse float out of the shed then; tell her its for the greater good.
Of course Mike Kelly had one! - he has helped me so much with my Morris CS8.
That pic on his old post Hanno directed me to helped heaps too - am I correct in seeing that the whole windscreen assembly hinges up?
Shows me where all the shiny strips go (and also what headlight surrounds I need to find) - which is part of the puzzle to me: why have a hatch to spot the enemy and then shiny bits to attract him?!
Most staff cars I have seen pictured still have minimal bling.
Will get hunting for chassis and engine numbers to post - It has 3 big letters embossed in firewall: will confirm if TJR.

[Tony Smith]

Not saying Mike Kelly gets around, but he also posted some info on the G: https://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?t=101371

[Tony Smith]

Do you need this?

https://www.faxonautoliterature.com/...nual-Original-

[DaveBuckle]

Brilliant Tony (and Mike) I suspected it must of had running boards - the sills have been cut out a bit: due to rust am guessing - worst area is on floor at rear of doors.
Seller was telling me how they were a cut down sedan - seems that was a Ford thing, not DeSoto.
Of course I need the book - but shipping from America may have to wait till the minister has recovered from horse float incident.
I guess I'll be needing to know what other models I can possibly source running boards, headlight surrounds, steering drag link from ...

[Mike Cecil]

Thanks Tony, I'll switch the columns around. So a P12 prefix to the engine number.
Mike