For most of the late 1950s, the Adventurer was DeSoto’s limited-production glamour and performance model, and one of the most appealing and dramatic products of Chrysler’s Forward Look era. In 1957 it was available as a hardtop coupe or convertible, strictly in either black or white, both with a contrasting “side spear” and interior in Adventurer Gold Poly, and matching gold-anodized aluminum trim, wheels, and hardware accents. Even the carpet glittered, having been woven with gold metallic threads. Under the hood was a Hemi V-8, bored out by 20-thousandths of an inch and dressed with a performance camshaft and dual quads, so that it would produce the magic one horsepower per cubic inch, 375 in all.

All Adventurers built between 1956 and 1958 were limited in production, but the 1957 model was especially so, having been introduced later than the rest of that year’s DeSoto line. There was no mention of the model in the catalogue, and no Adventurer brochure – just an insert for the owner’s manual, welcoming owners to “the elite Adventurer family.” Elite, indeed; in 1957, only 300 convertibles were made.

The car offered here is even more rare in being equipped with factory Airtemp air conditioning, as well as the Benrus steering wheel-mounted chronometer, power seats, and correct accessory wire wheels. It was fully restored in 1998 by well-known Forward Look expert, Greg Groom of Chrysler Works in Highland, California, to a very high standard, including proper trim throughout, such as the metallic threaded carpet that is now nearly impossible to find. In a recent telephone conversation, Mr. Groom recalled the DeSoto well, noting that it is a true Adventurer and that it was acquired as a solid, good-running car, on which only the trunk floor and fenders required replacement. The interior was done by MoPar upholstery legend Gary Goers.

Subsequently the DeSoto was acquired by Thomas F. Derro in January 1999, and has remained in his collection since. Fit and finish throughout remains superb, and the car appears to have always been well-maintained and preserved. It recently underwent a brake service and detailing, in preparation for sale, and presents beautifully throughout, with fine paint and chrome, and an excellent interior.

Nothing beats a ’57 Adventurer for sheer motoring drama, and this is among the finest-optioned examples for one’s next exciting adventure.