Driving Line VOLUME V ISSUE 1 | WINTER 2019 | Page 36

FULFILLING THE PURPOSE
Since its completion, the DeSoto has completed
several Gambler 500 rallies up and down the coast. While
he’d love to enter more, the Chupe may have become too
near and dear to his heart to beat up. Chances are, the
DeSoto has more leisurely off-road adventures in store for
it. Who knows, you may one day spot this beast on the
Baja Peninsula.
The Chupacabra is very much like a mythical creature,
except it’s real, and the few who have had a chance
to see it up close can only tell tales of its mystique. It’s
exactly the type of reckless manifestation that can only be
conjured in the minds of those willing to dream beyond
the physical limitations of a vehicle. Some might even
call it four-dimensional thinking, the mashing of multiple
vehicles separated by decades of automotive technology
and styling, into one masterpiece that climbs its way to the
top of our “I need that now” list without even breaking a
sweat. Let the overland purists say what they will; there is
no mistaking this seemingly derelict creation on the trail.
We’ve found the beauty in this beast, in everything from
the ratchet strap holding down the hood, to the dusty gun
rack displayed in the rear window.
SPEC LIST
BODY: ’55 DeSoto Firedome
CHASSIS: ’86 Ford F-250 4x4
ENGINE: Ford 460ci 7.5L
TRANSMISSION: 4-speed manual BorgWarner
FRONT AXLE: Dana 50 TTB
REAR AXLE: Sterling 10.25
TIRES: 37x12.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
WHEELS: OEM Late Model Dodge Ram Wheels
WINCH: Warn Zeon
ROOFTOP TENT: Tepui Tents
SEE THIS BEAST IN ACTION
IN OUR RIDE OF THE WEEK FEATURE ON YOUTUBE
34
DRIVINGLINE.COM