Sold

1957 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman

Sold

1957 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman

26 Views
1 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
2 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
3 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
4 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
5 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
6 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
7 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
8 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
9 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
10 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
11 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
12 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
13 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
14 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
15 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
16 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
17 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
18 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
19 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
20 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
21 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
22 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
23 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
24 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
25 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
26 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
27 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
28 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
29 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
30 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
31 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
32 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
33 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
34 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
35 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
36 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
37 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
38 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
39 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
40 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
41 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
42 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
43 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
44 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
45 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
46 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
47 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
48 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
49 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
50 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
51 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
52 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
53 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
54 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
55 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
56 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
57 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
58 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
59 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
60 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
61 / 61
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
For Sale 1957 DeSoto Fireflite

Specs

Stock
132192
Miles
58,182
Vin
50412032
Body Style
Hardtop

Engine Size
341 HEMI
Transmission Type
3 Speed Automatic
Body Color
Fiesta Red
Interior Color
Fiesta Red

Description

I know a lot of you are in love with the ’57 Chevy, but one look across the street at what was going on at Chrysler might change your allegiances. Park this heart-stopping 1957 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman next to a ’57 Chevy and the Chevy starts to look positively ordinary in comparison. With long, sweeping lines, those killer fins, and a robust 341 cubic inch Hemi under the hood, Chrysler was most definitely at the top of their game with this car.

We probably wouldn't have the “Big Three” today without Virgil Exners work at Chrysler. The “Forward Look” cars that he penned for 1955 were revolutionary and instantly made everything else on the market look like yesterday's news. Just one look at the spectacular Fiesta Red flanks on this Fireflite Sportsman will convince you that while excess was still in fashion, it was knowing where to put it that was important. This Desoto has received a frame-off restoration that is absolutely breathtaking in person. The bodywork is exceptionally well done (and it has to be with those giant fins, there's nowhere for inferior work to hide), and the car is magnificently presented. Gaps and panel fit is exemplary, and the doors close with a solid ‘thunk’ that no modern car can match. The Fiesta Red paint is deep and lustrous, which is obvious even in the studio photos. Look at the reflections and you'll see no distortions or orange peel in the finish, just an incredibly uniform, glossy expanse of red. The gray top is the perfect contrast to the red, more sophisticated and even futuristic than the more typical white used on some of its competitors. And again, the finish is brilliant, with just the right amount of metallic in it to re-create the jet age ‘50s.

When talking about any car from this decade, it's impossible to avoid discussing the chrome. On a car like this, the restoration of the trim is often the most expensive part of the job, so it's always smart to buy a car where all that work is done. On this one, the bright pieces have been refinished to show quality with incredible detailing and spectacular depth of finish. Those massive bumpers have been restored to new condition, and all the chrome and stainless detailing throughout glitters like jewelry. Even the twin “Dagmars” on the lower front bumper, which were unique to the Fireflite, have been finished to better-than-new condition. And if you've looked through the photos, you'll see that this car includes a second set of single headlight buckets the quad headlamps were an option. And speaking of options, this one also carries the dual antennas on the rear fenders, which was the height of fashion in the late ‘50s.

In 1957, the horsepower races had already started, and Chrysler was at the head of the pack with their Hemi powerplants. In the Desoto Fireflite, it was a 341 cubic inch Hemi that used a single 4-barrel carburetor to make a very stout 295 horsepower, enough to push these gorgeous cars to more than 125 MPH. The engine bay in this Fireflite is beautifully restored and finished to concours standards throughout. The engine is correctly finished in corporate silver with red lettering on the unique Hemi valve covers. The massive air cleaner assembly dominates the engine bay, which was necessary thanks to the Hemi's improved breathing. Correct finishes, materials, and decals have been used throughout, from the heater housing on the firewall, to the hoses and clamps, to the reproduction battery. Quality control stamps have been duplicated, and even in here the paint has been buffed and finished. A correct generator still makes the electricity and the wiring harness is an accurate reproduction. Taking this car to a show and NOT lifting the hood should be a crime.

The standard transmission in the Fireflite Sportsman is a 3-speed TorqueFlite feeding a 3.36-geared rear end. The rest of the chassis is spectacularly detailed, from the Fiesta Red floors to the satin black frame and all the correctly finished parts in between. Up front, you'll find Chryslers familiar torsion-bar front suspension, which has been fully rebuilt and rides like a hovercraft. True dual exhaust was part of the program for the Fireflite, and a complete system has been fabricated to factory specifications on this car, giving it a subtle, yet authoritative voice. The rear end rides on restored leaf springs and damped by new shocks that match the originals in color and function. A new gas tank hangs out back, ensuring that you won't have fuel problems down the road. The wheels on the car are gorgeous chrome wire wheels wearing 15-inch wide whitewall radials, but the original steel wheels and hubcaps have been restored to match the car, and carry a matching set of whitewall radials.

The eye candy doesn't stop at the exterior. Chrysler stylists fine-tuned every aspect of the car to match the Forward Look styling, and that meant the interior had to be exceptional. It is. With two-tone red and gray seating front and back, it ties in brilliantly with the exterior color scheme. Everything inside this car is new, from the subtle gray carpets to the gorgeous headliner accented by chrome top bows. The dashboard incorporates a lot of pure 1950s style, from the massive steering wheel to the textured metal panel that surrounds the gauge cluster. The first of the pushbutton controls that made Chrysler famous are found to the left of the steering wheel, and I kind of dig the dashboard-mounted rear-view mirror. The original AM radio still lives in the dash, but a powerful modern JVC head unit has been hidden in the glove box, along with speakers hidden throughout the passenger compartment. For a medium-priced car in 1957, I bet this Desoto made its new owner feel like a million bucks.

The trunk has also been restored to new condition, with a new trunk mat and a full-sized spare tire with cover.

We have extensive restoration photos of the car as well as Chrysler historical documentation, all of which is included with the sale.

I'm flat-out blown away by how much I like this car. Usually when you hear “Desoto” you think of some frumpy, brown sedan. Then you get a look at this movie star and all you can think about is what it would feel like to be behind the wheel and unwinding the powerful Hemi on a long, straight section of highway. Desoto died in 1961, but they enjoy a very strong support network and with their Chrysler connection, parts are plentiful and easy to find. They're also considerably harder to find than their Dodge and Plymouth siblings, which will make this Fireflite the hit of any show, even the Mopar Nationals. It is fully finished, sorted and ready to compete on the show field or drive cross-country. Given the choice between this and, say, a 1957 Chevy, I know which one I'd prefer. Call now!

$299.00 Dealer Administrative Charge is not included in advertised price. All prices and offers are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice, please confirm listings with dealer.

Please note: Your vehicle may require Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the Vehicle in the declared State of residence. In most States, such requirements are dependent on the age of the vehicle which varies State by State. We recommend as part of the buying process that you check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your declared State of residence’s titling and registration requirements.