DeSoto, from Chrysler Corporation, USA - another nice body, from Belgium, on a Light Truck chassis, and a Front-Mount Pump, too!
From The Web:
Walter P. Chrysler founded the 'DeSoto' line of cars in 1928, which ran until 1960. In 1937, Chrysler Corporation began cranking out 'DeSoto' trucks.
Post-World War 2 'DeSoto' trucks, like this one; were simply "badge-engineered" Chrysler 'Dodge' and 'Fargo' trucks that were assembled/sold overseas - they just stuck the 'DeSoto' name-plate on them.
The name came from Hernando de Soto [@1496-1542], Explorer and Conquistador from Spain; he died on the banks of the Mississippi River, USA.
Great photo, Jean Paul; always love seeing the neat Fire-Engines that were produced here.
From The Web:
Walter P. Chrysler founded the 'DeSoto' line of cars in 1928, which ran until 1960. In 1937, Chrysler Corporation began cranking out 'DeSoto' trucks.
Post-World War 2 'DeSoto' trucks, like this one; were simply "badge-engineered" Chrysler 'Dodge' and 'Fargo' trucks that were assembled/sold overseas - they just stuck the 'DeSoto' name-plate on them.
The name came from Hernando de Soto [@1496-1542], Explorer and Conquistador from Spain; he died on the banks of the Mississippi River, USA.
Great photo, Jean Paul; always love seeing the neat Fire-Engines that were produced here.
Regards, from Canada,
Pat_R-B
Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 25 March 2010.