1952 Desoto Other Desoto Models

1952 DeSoto S11 Sport Coupe

VIN:  60013076

This is an all original 1952 DeSoto Sport Coupe that was purchased by Manuel Morino on June 13, 1952 from Madonna Motors in Gilroy, California.  It has only been driven 10,218 miles since new, still rides on the original Goodyear tires (spare never mounted), and has a complete documented history to verify its originality and authenticity.  It has been garaged since new and stored in Southern California most of its life.  The body is perfect except for a very small ding on the right rear fender from a grocery shopping carp in Horgan Hill over 55 years ago.  This is truly a "barn find" that has been pampered for 67 years, runs just as smoothly as the day it rolled off the assembly line and is in museum quality.

History of Vehicle:

Manuel Morino was a farmer who owned a plum orchard in Horgan Hill, just north of Gilroy.  Mr. Morino, a Spanish immigrant, loved DeSoto's because Hernando De Soto, the Spanish explorer who conquered Florida in 1536, adorned the vehicle's hubcaps, steering wheel and hood ornament.  In 1952 Mr. Moreno traded in his 1948 DeSoto for the new 1952 model, which is presented here today.

Matt Bonaccorso, the grandson of Mr. Marino, would work every summer alongside his grandfather in the orchard.  With only 8,900 miles on the vehicle, Matt's grandfather gave him this car as a high school graduation present to thank him for spending his summers working on the ranch.

Upon graduation, Matt left for college but was wise enough to leave the DeSoto in his grandfather's garage while attending school.  The car was regularly started and kept covered with a cover that Matt's grandmother sewed from flour sacks.  Mothball crystals were placed in a can under the driver's seat (still there) to protect the wool seats and headliner safe from moth damage.

The original purchase contract from Madonna Motors for $2833 as well as maintenance receipts, shop manual, Madonna Motors leather key fob with the original keys, Kleenex dispenser on the visor, Madonna Motors front and rear license plate frames, registration holder on the steering column, and recorded video history by Matt Bonaccorso is also included.  There is even a wedding picture of Manuel Morino and his wife.

This DeSoto is clearly the most original, lowest mileage, and cleanest vehicle I have ever owned.  I am confident that the new owner will have many years of enjoyment with this vehicle.

THIS VEHICLE TO BE COLLECTED FROM BIVINS, TEXAS. 

The Car has been consigned to the Online Classic Car Auction hosted by the Classic Car Auction Group.  The auction is Saturday, March 28, 2026, with online bidding only. To consign your car and/or to register to bid on this and other cars in the auction go to http://www.classiccarauction.us