Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 103
1959 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe Chassis no. M431111179
Sold for US$20,160 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 103
1959 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe
1959 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe
Chassis no. M431111179
Chassis no. M431111179
361ci OHV Hemi V8 Engine
Single Carburetor
295bhp at 4,600rpm
3-Speed Powerflite Pushbutton Automatic Transmission
Independent Coil Spring Front and Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Nicely preserved, original example
*Stylish Two-tone Paint
*Forward thinking Virgil Exner design
*Final year for the Firedome
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
DeSoto, originally intended to be Walter Chrysler's mid-priced car, was re-positioned in the corporate lineup after Chrysler purchased Dodge. From 1933, DeSoto was an upscale "idea car," countering GM's Oldsmobile. Advanced features pioneered by DeSoto included an attractive, Miller-inspired grille in 1932-33, hidden headlights in 1942 and a long-wheelbase, highly-trimmed Suburban prestige utility sedan built from 1946 to 1952.
Of relatively modest mechanical specification for most of its life, DeSoto became the second Chrysler Corporation marque to get V8 power, with a smaller version of Chrysler's new hemi-head V8 in 1952. Named "Firedome," the new model developed 160 horsepower from 276 cubic inches, only ten percent less power than Chrysler from 55 fewer cubic inches.
A stellar example of Virgil Exner's Forward Look design, two tone paint with chrome accented trim, elegant fins topping fang-shaped panels, and a long, low look made the car a favorite with consumers. Inside, the aeronautic inspired cockpit featured a gull theme creating a driver and passenger dashboard that was beautiful in its simplicity, and plenty of power features controlled by chromed switchgear.
Refined and updated throughout the 1950s, by 1959, sales had begun to dwindle and the Firedome would be discontinued. Two years later, the entire DeSoto lineup got the axe as well.
This example has been in long term, single ownership. Finished in tuxedo-like two-tone black and white paint with a matching Mid-Century checkered interior, it is nicely optioned with the pushbutton automatic and radio. On static display for some time, it appears to be a strikingly original example that has an indicated 78,635 miles on the clock—a figure that is likely from new. The perfect basis for a restoration, or hot rod, this DeSoto will make an excellent cruiser for its next owner.
Saleroom notices
Please note this DeSoto has a 383ci V8 that produced 305bhp and its original torsion bar front suspension system.
Additional information
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