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| Export-model DeSoto is based on a Plymouth – with an added bit of Dodge. |
But de Soto's name lives on in Cuba. His image, too, if the stylized conquistador in the logo of the Chrysler DeSoto (sometimes De Soto) bears any likeness to the Spanish explorer.
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| Both DeSoto and Plymouth emblems were applied at the factory. |
Most of Cuba's DeSotos are of the export variety, like this 1948 sedan from the government's Gran Car fleet of tourist-pleasing taxis. It bears both DeSoto and Plymouth badges – it came that way – but even without them, its Plymouth heritage shows through in the blocky fenders and other conservative lines.
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| Gran Car taxi fleet ferries visitors in eye-catching classics. |
The export DeSoto was also sold in Australia, Europe, Mexico and South America, though few will remain in those markets. On the island once governed by its namesake, however, it still rules the roads.
See also:
Hemmings: Made for export – 1947 De Soto
Allpar: The DeSoto Diplomat