Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 167
1955 DeSoto Fireflite Convertible Chassis no. 50352304
Sold for €17,825 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 167
1955 DeSoto Fireflite Convertible
1955 DeSoto Fireflite Convertible
Chassis no. 50352304
Chassis no. 50352304
• One of only 775 FireFlite convertibles produced in 1955
• Three owners from new
• Present ownership since 2012
• Engine rebuilt less than 2,000 miles ago
• Upgraded with front disc brakes (drums available)
• Three owners from new
• Present ownership since 2012
• Engine rebuilt less than 2,000 miles ago
• Upgraded with front disc brakes (drums available)
Footnotes
Not to be confused with the short-lived de Soto of Edwardian times, the DeSoto arrived to much acclaim in 1929, setting a debut-year sales record that would last for 30 years. Chrysler Corporation was the new marque's parent, DeSoto being intended to bridge the gap between up-market Chrysler and the newly introduced Plymouth. At the same time Chrysler acquired Dodge, and subsequent attempts to rationalise the two marques' relative positions within the Chrysler Empire did DeSoto no favours. From 1933 onwards Dodge was the better bargain, while the more expensive DeSoto moved closer to Chrysler in conception.
Like most of the US auto industry, DeSoto recommenced civilian production for 1946 with a range of mildly updated 1942 models. The range would comprise six-cylinder models only until the early 1950s, and did not receive a major facelift until mid way through 1949 when the first all-new designs appeared: 'The Car Designed With You In Mind'.
After WW2 the US auto industry increasingly turned to the V8 engine, to such an extent that the type would come to be regarded as the 'industry standard' in America. Chrysler Corporation's first effort was the legendary overhead-valve 'Hemi', its name a reference to the theoretically ideal hemispherical combustion chamber shape which featured angled valves on opposite sides of the chamber. In its first incarnation the Hemi was marketed under the 'FirePower' name and displaced 5.4 litres. Three of Chrysler's four divisions, the exception being Plymouth, would have their own variations on the original Hemi theme, DeSoto's being known as the 'FireDome'.
DeSoto's new OHV V8 first entered production in February 1952 in models little changed from those of the preceding season. The range was restyled for 1953 and there were further revisions for '54, before Virgil Exner's aircraft inspired 'Forward Look' styling ushered in a new era for DeSoto in 1955. Top of the comprehensively revamped line-up was the FireFlite series, all powered by the 291ci (4.8-litre) 200bhp FireDome V8. The FireFlite was initially available in three different body styles: four-door sedan, Sportsman hardtop coup, and convertible, the latter by far the least numerous with only 775 built in '55. Hardtops and convertibles had the contrasting-colour, forward-sweeping side panels as standard.
In 1956 the DeSoto FireFlite convertible was chosen as the official Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500. Yet within a few years DeSoto had gone, killed off by stiff competition, not just from other manufacturers but also from Chrysler's newly introduced Newport entry-level model. The last DeSotos rolled off the production lines in November 1960.
A rare survivor, the car we offer is one of the 775 Fireflite six-seater convertibles produced in 1955 and has the Powerflite automatic gearbox. This car was first registered in Ohio State, passing to its second owner in Grand Rapids County in the State of Michigan in June 1977. When the second owner's job took him to Europe in the early 2000s, he brought the DeSoto with him. Sold to a motor dealer in The Netherlands when the owner returned home, the car was purchased by the current vendor and registered in Belgium in April 2012. Fewer than 2,000 miles have been covered since the engine was overhauled, while the provision of front disc brakes is a most worthwhile upgrade. The only defect notified is a non-functioning clock.
Finished in two-tone white/red with matching leather interior, this beautiful DeSoto FireFlite represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a rare American soft-top that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 11 May 2023, 10:00 - 18:00 CEST
- 12 May 2023, 10:00 - 18:00 CEST
- 13 May 2023, 10:00 - 12:00 CEST
