1955 Desoto Fireflite
For Auction
Related Articles
In just a few short years, Walter P. Chrysler took his company from an unknown automotive manufacturer to fourth in the industry, with...
A viable alternative that’s still daring and different.
Vehicle Specifications
- VIN50359653
- Classic Car ID102814869
- Stock Number1491545
- CategoryAmerican Classics
- Body StyleN/A
- New/UsedUsed
- MileageN/A
- EngineN/A
Classic Car Overview
- First year for Virgil Exners much-admired Forward Look styling
- Range-topping Fireflite model in the desirable two-door hardtop configuration
- 200-hp 291-cid Hemi V-8 with four-barrel carburetor paired with a PowerFlite automatic transmission
- Finished in Emberglow and Black, with original two-tone black and white interior
- An attractive and powerful Mopar from a key year for the brand
In 1955, designer Virgil Exners Forward Look styling swept across the entire Chrysler Corporation lineup, including the mid-priced DeSoto division. The rather conservative styling that had defined post-war Mopars to that point was replaced with something longer, lower, wider, and bolder. Finally, these cars had looks to match their modern Hemi V-8 power.
This DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman two-door hardtop is from that pivotal first year of the Forward Look era. As DeSotos higher-trim offering, the Fireflite came standard with more chrome, striking decorative side color panels standard on the convertibles and hardtops and a 291-cubic-inch FireDome Hemi V-8 that produced a very respectable 200 horsepower thanks to a four-barrel Carter carburetor. An optional PowerFlite automatic transmission, found on the car offered here, featured a dashboard-mounted Flight Control gear selector lever.
Offered from the Vehicle Vault Collection, this Fireflite is finished in the classic, period-correct colors of Black with an Emberglow roof and side-sweep panel. Its interior, trimmed in two-tone black and white, is understood to be largely original and features an in-dash radio and a centrally mounted clock in its own distinctive pod. The car rides on whitewall tires and features large DeSoto wheel covers at each corner.
By the end of the Forward Look era, Exners designs had evolved in an almost theatrical direction, with towering tailfins and wildly canted headlamps. This 1955 DeSoto Fireflite, with its always desirable Sportsman two-door hardtop body style, shows where it all began. An ideal example of the sleek, futuristic, and balanced lines that so captivated the public upon its debut, it remains an icon of Jet Age design that still turns heads today.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf26/.
Classic Car Buyer's Tools
Immediately receive a quote to get your new classic car delivered right to your driveway from Autotrader’s trusted Classic Transport Partner ShipYourCarNow. Click Now!
J.J. BEST BANC & CO., is the largest lender of its type in the country -- providing financing for collector cars. J.J. Best offers low rates, long terms, and no prepayment penalties. Visit our website at www.jjbest.com or call 800.USA.1965 to receive a quick approval. Need to refinance or insurance? We can help you with that too! Click here
For the latest and most reliable Classic and Collectible Car prices, values, production numbers and local car clubs, always trust NADAguides.com. Get more info
Considering buying a new classic? Get a quote before you buy. Agreed value, lowest rates. Go with Grundy Insurance, www.Grundy.com or 888-647-8636 Get Quotes Now
