DeSoto

DeSoto, a marque born from Chrysler's ambition, offered a mid-priced alternative to the more established brands of the 1920s. Initially, DeSotos were known for their innovative features, like the Fluid Drive transmission. The brand carved a niche with stylish designs, particularly during the Art Deco era, and enjoyed a period of popularity.

However, DeSoto struggled to maintain its identity as the market evolved. The post-war years saw a decline in distinctiveness, with models often sharing platforms and components with Plymouth and Dodge. Despite attempts at reinvention, including the introduction of the Forward Look styling, DeSoto ultimately succumbed to market pressures, ceasing production in 1961, a casualty of the increasingly competitive automotive landscape.