Richmond Sells 1961 DeSoto Hardtop for $80,000
A factory-correct 1961 DeSoto hardtop sold at no reserve for $80,000, setting a new record for the model.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Buying/Selling
Richmond Auctions sold a red 1961 DeSoto hardtop at no reserve for $80,000 at a late October event. The price surpassed the $55,000 record that had stood since 2009.
Why it matters
The sale establishes a new benchmark for a model produced for only a few months before DeSoto was phased out. It also highlights strong interest in late-era Mopar-related classics among collectors in the United States.
The hardtop uses Chrysler's 361-cubic-inch V8 rated at 265 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, paired with a standard three-speed TorqueFlite automatic. Only 911 two-door hardtops were built for the 1961 model year, against a 1961 total of 3,034 DeSoto units.
The players
Richmond Auctions
An auction house that conducted the sale of the 1961 DeSoto hardtop at no reserve in late October.
DeSoto
A Chrysler-affiliated automobile brand established in 1928 that was phased out after the 1961 model year.
The details
The car is factory correct with its original drivetrain and spent recent years in the McCandless collection before being offered at the Richmond Auctions event. DeSoto, established in 1928 and repositioned above Dodge in 1933, was phased out after 1961 as Dodge moved upmarket and Chrysler offered the Newport as a lower-cost option.
Timeline
1928: DeSoto brand established
1933: DeSoto repositioned above Dodge
2009: $55,000 record for 1961 DeSoto set
2013: Another 1961 DeSoto hardtop sold for $49,500
Late October 2026: Richmond Auctions sells the hardtop for $80,000
Roadmap
The sale reflects continued collector demand for vehicles from brands that were absorbed or discontinued during the consolidation of American automakers in the early 1960s. DeSoto's exit after 1961 followed a pattern of Chrysler streamlining its divisions to focus on higher-margin nameplates.
Buyers interested in classic DeSotos should expect prices for hardtops from this model year to be significantly higher than in prior years. Collectors seeking one should weigh auction results against the rarity of the 911-unit two-door run.
The takeaway
Factory-correct examples of rare, short-run models can command record prices at auction, so buyers should document originality carefully. Comparing recent sales results before bidding helps set realistic expectations.
Further reading
Explore more in Buying/Selling for context on how classic cars change hands at auction.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Autoevolution.
