1960 DeSoto Resources

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1960 DeSoto Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes

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1960 DeSoto:

1960 DeSoto Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1960 DeSoto

Due to decreasing sales and the Recession, and with the onset of the unitized body, the decision was made to integrate the Chrysler and DeSoto bodies/styling with that of the lower-level Chrysler cars for 1960, standardizing on the 122.0″ wheelbase. The result was that in 1960 DeSoto compressed their lineup drastically.

Gone were the two lower-price entries, the Firesweep and the Firedome. The Fireflite and the Adventurer were all that remained in the lineup, with the Fireflite the entry-level model. There were no convertibles or station wagons offered.  The Fireflite base engine moved down to the 361 CID V-8 with 2-barrel carburetor and the 295 HP rating. The stand-alone performance Adventurer ceased to exist, now becoming the slot that the Fireflite used to occupy. The new “Ram Charge” (ram-tuned intake) 383 CID high performance engine was now available to all models in each line. Last year’s 4-barrel, 325 HP performance engine was still available, now called “Power Pack”.

The unit-body was the same as the Chrysler’s low-price Windsor car line, with only trim, the grille and tail lights being different. However, the interiors were unique to DeSoto, but most of the options could also be found in the Chrysler Windsor as well. The new styling was crisp and pleasant – and just unique enough to be perceived as a separate line. The look was considered a cleaner rendition of the dart-shaped theme of 1957-59.

The major problem was that the Chrysler Windsor models were priced from $3200 to $3,800, right next to DeSoto’s range of $3,000 to $3,700 – and certainly the Chrysler badge was more prestigious. The only selling advantage was the choice of engines with either single or dual carburetors and a horsepower advantage over the Windsor and Saratoga.

It was obvious that the DeSoto’s days were numbered – get ’em while they’re hot!

INNOVATIONS:

• The “Ram Charge” long ram intake lowered the HP slightly, but upped the torque significantly; from 425 @ 3600 RPM to 460 @ 2800. For a large car like the DeSoto, this low RPM pulling power helped acceleration and MPG at highway speeds.
• Unit body construction was standard across the Chrysler Corporation line – except for the Imperial.

1960 DeSoto Facts – Significant Options

• • 383 CID V-8 with ram-induction, dual four-barrel V-8 with dual exhausts, 12-inch brakes and Torqueflite required ($283).
  • 383 CID V-8, with four-barrel and dual exhausts and Torqueflite required, in Fireflite ($85); Adventurer ($54).
  • Automatic swivel seats ($106).
  • Backup lights for Fireflite ($12).
  • Easy Grip steering wheel ($10).
  • Fireflite four-door roof molding ($14).
  • Fireflite two-door roof molding package ($38).
  • Front fender ornament ($9).
  • Heater ($98).
  • Left outside rear-view mirror ($6).
  • Left remote control outside mirror ($18).
  • License plate frame ($4).
  • Padded instrument panel in Fireflite ($21).
  • Parking brake light ($4).
  • Power brakes with automatic only ($43).
  • Power steering, automatic transmission required ($106).
  • Power windows ($106).
  • Powerflite transmission with 383 CID V-8 in Fireflite only ($189).
  • Push button radio ($89).
  • Push button radio with rear seat speaker ($106).
  • RCA Automatic Record Player, radio required ($52).
  • Rear foam seat cushion as option ($11).
  • Rear speaker with accessory groups ($17).
  • Rear stone deflectors on Fireflite ($8).
  • Right outside rear-view mirror ($6).
  • Safe-T-Matic door lock in two-door model ($36); in four-door model ($43).
  • Six-way power seat ($101).
  • Solex glass ($43).
  • Sure-Grip differential ($50).
  • Three-way Prismatic mirror ($5).
  • Torqueflite transmission in Fireflite ($227).
  • Two-tone paint ($21).
  • Undercoating with fiberglass pad ($15).
  • Vanity mirror ($2).
  • Variable speed wipers in Fireflite ($7).
  • Variable speed wipers with washers in Fireflite ($18).
  • Wheel covers on Fireflite ($19).
  • Whitewall tires – Five Nylon 8.00 x 14 ($59).
  • Whitewall tires – Five Nylon 8.50 x 14 ($83).
  • Whitewall tires – Five Rayon 8.00 x 14 ($42).
  • Windshield washers ($12).