LOT 14 ¤

1936 DeSoto Custom Airstream S-1 Taxicab Coachwork by Briggs Chassis no. 5998379 Engine no. S133307

Sold for US$15,680 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 14^¤

1936 DeSoto Custom Airstream S-1 Taxicab

The National Automobile Museum Auction|13 June 2026, 10:00 PDT|Reno, National Automobile Museum

1936 DeSoto Custom Airstream S-1 Taxicab
Coachwork by Briggs
Chassis no. 5998379
Engine no. S133307

241.5ci L-Head Inline Six-Cylinder
Single One-Barrel Carburetor
93bhp at 3,400rpm
Three-Speed Manual Transmission
Coil Spring Independent Front Suspension, Semi-Elliptical Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
Four-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

* One of a single record-size order of 2,200 built
* Cosmetically restored in its original configuration
* The first application of a sliding "Sunshine" roof in a U.S. production car
* Complete with taxicab equipment
* A rare survivor of a commercial DeSoto

THE DESOTO CUSTOM AIRSTREAM

In the Chrysler hierarchy, DeSoto was positioned just above Dodge. The base model DeSoto Custom S-1s came with larger 241.5ci engines than the 217.8ci Dodge D-2. They had 2 inches longer wheelbase and didn't offer Chrysler's Airflow styling even in that design's introductory year of 1934.

In 1934 a taxicab fleet, Sunshine Radio Systems, in New York City purchased a 2,200-car fleet of Custom Airstream "Sunshine" long wheelbase DeSotos. It was both the first time a taxi fleet purchase of this size was completed, and they had the first use of sliding sunroof panels over the rear seats seen in the United States. Built on long 130-inch wheelbase chassis, a foot longer than the standard DeSoto and two inches longer than the line topping Airflow sedan. The extra foot of wheelbase left plenty of room for a pair of comfortable jump seats bringing capacity to seven people.

As anyone who experienced one of these cabs in New York will tell you there was no better way to take in the skyscrapers of The City than in one of these. Traveling down Fifth Avenue or Broadway in an open sunshine roof DeSoto taxi on a beautiful day was like being in a moving motion picture of NYC's vertical vistas.

THE CAR OFFERED

This 1936 DeSoto Custom Airstream S-1 "Sunshine" Taxicab in a rare and attractively presented example of a nearly forgotten limited production special. Finished in cream with prominent orange accents it has beige upholstery and brown leatherette trim. It is equipped with an Ohmer taxi meter, sliding division window, jump seats and an Art Deco style roof-mounted status light. The sunshine roof over the front of the rear compartment retracts into a pocket inside the roof, giving unparalleled visibility to the lucky (usually younger) passengers in the jump seats.

It is an older cosmetic restoration completed in 1974 and then acquired by Harrah's in 1979. The paint, chrome, upholstery, interior trim, dashboard and instruments are good, but the gauge lenses are foggy. The heater and engine air cleaner are missing. It has been believed to have been drained of fuel and coolant during display and will need comprehensive recommissioning.

On the other hand, this is a rarely seen commercial taxicab survivor that stands alone in its bright orange trimmed livery and flamboyant Art Deco styling. Powered by a nearly bulletproof Chrysler six, it promises years of enjoyable touring and display. It certainly beats a Hyundai sedan for an Uber driver!

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers Obligations
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If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
Buyers Premium and Charges
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium.
For MOTORCAR property the premium is 12% of the final bid price.
Collection Notices
LOT COLLECTION DEADLINE: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Motor Vehicle:
Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction. Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available on site to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport Contact:
Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transport:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport:
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]
Payment Notices
Payment Deadline: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Cashiering Hours:
Saturday, June 13, during the auction
Sunday, June 14, 8:30am to 5:30pm
Monday, June 15, 8:30am to 12pm
Shipping Notices
LOT COLLECTION DEADLINE: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Motor Vehicle:
Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction. Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available on site to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport Contact:
Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transport:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport:
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]

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¤	No Reserve
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