Is a Desoto "spitfire" a 'special' engine??

[1just4don]

Is the Desoto 'spitfire' a special engine or did they all come out with those(in a 46)?? Whats the dif between those and a regular Dodge or Plymouth?? It would have a fluid drive behind it,,,right?? Were spitfires rare in any way???desireable?? Tanks berry mush fer any info--d--

[greg g]

If yer talking about the DeS on ebay......It is either a head or engine exchange as Chyrsler used the "Spitfire" appelation on thier 25 in flathead 6's and some early V8's. A spitfire in a DeSoto is a homemade deal. Just a marketing thing, no mechanical difference in the dead design.

[John Burke]

The Desoto, flat 6 in my hot rod has a "Spitfire" head on it and came off of a Chrysler motor....NOW.....I was told by George Ashe that..(he is the one who put the engine together)..That my Spitfire head is of the "closed chamber" style...I still don't know what that means...but is supposed to be a good head.....John Burke

[1just4don]

Thanks for the info,,, guess its a moot point for NOW. I was watchin this local car on the bay and the pic had 'spitfire' on script head,,,and the description said it was an original spitfire too. Guess somebody transplanted the motor IF they didnt come that way. THIS is the car,,,I think,,,I went to see and the guy wouldnt let me lift the hood,raise the trunk lid or open the doors. Oh well,,,guess he took it off at the last minute,,,again,,,for the second time. It will probably be back ,,,again. Maybe IF I get that way I might swing by for a 'second' look. Good solid car,,,but a ton of work,,inch by inch,,it all needs done!!! Brightwork is the brightest I ever saw on an OLD car!!! Thanks for the info---don-

[Normspeed]

In the pic you posted, that trim was really nice. I dont' know about dealing with that seller though. Sounds like a flake. If you proceed make sure he lets you go all over it and compare the pink slip to the numbers on the car before you buy.