DeSoto
From Sam & Max Wiki
The DeSoto (also spelled "Desoto") is Sam's beloved car in the Sam and Max universe. Specifically, it is a "DeSoto Adventurer", a limited number model of car from the 1950s-1960s. It is a hardtop in all appearances except the Telltale series, where it is an open-top (it is stated in-game that it isn't the old DeSoto, though it's otherwise exactly the same. It's also indicated that the top can be raised - they mention specifically driving through a lake with the "top down", but it is never seen in that form). The license plate number is RLW 822 (registered New York) in all versions except in the animated series and the front cover of Surfin' the Highway, where it is SRP 695.
With its black and white paint job and "Sam & Max: Freelance Police" decals on the side doors, it takes the duo wherever they need to go. It is capable of time-travel, driving underwater, taking its passengers into outer space, and extremely long car trips. In the animated series, it is equipped with a "Rat-Gat" ("it came free with our last muffler job") and was worked on by the Geek. In Telltale's Season Two, Sam and Max were able to collect back trunk decals and the C.O.P.S. gave them various upgrades.
Temporarily, during Sam & Max Season One, the DeSoto is redecorated to reflect Max's office as President of the United States. The Freelance Police logo is replaced by a presidential seal, and American flags are added as adornments. These are changed to be Canadian briefly during Bright Side of the Moon.
It is referred as a "she" and has a soul which Sam and Max had to rescue from Hell. Returning from Hell did have a negative impact on the DeSoto as it now drives itself and tries to run over anything that moves. Sam let Abe and Sybil drive away in the possessed DeSoto after their wedding, but then was left wondering if that was such a good idea.
In The Devil's Playhouse, The C.O.P.S. take up residence in the Desoto, helping out Sam and Max on the road.
[edit] Max driving
- Max: Mind if I drive?
- Sam: Not if you don't mind me clawing at the dash and shrieking like a cheerleader.
Since Max can't see over the steering wheel or easily reach the pedals and it's a disaster waiting to happen, Sam usually won't let him drive. But like so many things he really shouldn't, he occasionally allows it anyway. Max has driven non-trivial distances in the following stories:
- On the Road
- Beast from the Cereal Aisle (though not the DeSoto)
- Sam & Max Hit the Road
In addition, Sam often asks Max to take the wheel when he needs his hands free while driving (generally to shoot stuff), especially in the driving mini-games in the Telltale series.
