DeSoto, a division of Chrysler, was one of the first American automakers to offer an adventure-themed marketing strategy. The brand was named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, reflecting a spirit of discovery and innovation.

One standout feature introduced by DeSoto was the “Airfoil” headlights on the 1942 models. These headlights were hidden when not in use and flipped open only when turned on, a feature that gave the car a sleek, futuristic look. This was a precursor to the pop-up headlights that became popular decades later!