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Money No Object: 1958 DeSoto Fireflite – From Peak 1950s To Dead By 1961


Money No Object: 1958 DeSoto Fireflite – From Peak 1950s To Dead By 1961

It’s 1958. Chrysler’s Forward Look cars had a barnburner of a year in 1957…but that was before customers started adding the phrase “quality control” to their lexicon as their Dodges and Plymouths went to hell around them. It was also the point in time where a recession kicked the automakers in the teeth. Everyone felt the pain of the economy’s issues, and none more so than DeSoto. For a company that had sold over 115,000 cars in 1955 and had some absolutely gorgeous lines, it would simply be six years before doctors noted the time of death, the brand rendered obsolete with Plymouths and the stand-alone Valiant brand that was destined to appear. 1958 was peak fin car for Ma Mopar…the issues with the 1957 cars had been sorted out and the quality had been improved, but the looks that brought the customers in by the busload weren’t enough to weather the storm. The proof? In 1957, DeSoto moved 117,514 cars. In 1958, that figure was 49,445. That stings. But look at this beauty…surely the looks couldn’t be faulted here. Somehow the Firefilte looks restrained and even a bit muscular, yet has plenty of tail-fin kitsch to it.

From the ad: “This 1958 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman Coupe is a superb example of this rare high-line model, positioned near the top of the DeSoto lineup just below the sporty Adventurer. This car is very well-known to us, as we have serviced it for many years on behalf of a regular client. It benefits from a recent and comprehensive mechanical refurbishment by our own in-house restoration specialists. It is being offered on behalf of the 3rd owner, who inherited it in 2017 from the estate of his close friend who owned the car since 1970.

This particular car has a wonderful story, with only three owners from new. The DeSoto’s long-time 2nd owner discovered this car in the spring of 1970 while sitting in a diner with friends in Palmyra, Pennsylvania. He had a long-time appreciation for Forward Look DeSotos, and when he spotted this car driving by the diner, he promptly chased it down. In chatting with the man, he discovered the elderly driver was the original owner, and despite finding the big DeSoto in fairly rough condition he bought the car on the spot. After dragging it home, he repaired a damaged piston and proceeded to drive the car regularly. In the mid-1980s, he commissioned a full restoration. The car was originally white with a red interior and had been repainted an unflattering shade of light blue at some point early in its life. He chose to paint the car a factory offered shade of light gray, which is similar to its original color and particularly flattering to the red interior.

He cherished the DeSoto as part of his collection until his passing in 2017, when the car came into the care of his longtime friend and current owner. The current owner commissioned RB Collection to perform a comprehensive mechanical overhaul which included a fully rebuilt engine, rebuilt automatic transmission (by our in-house transmission expert), restored fuel system, cooling system with re-cored radiator, and a brake system overhaul.

Along with the exceptional mechanical condition, it presents in lovely cosmetic condition with a warm patina acquired through years of care and enjoyment. The two-tone light gray with dark gray roof color scheme suits the dramatic lines of the car extremely well, particularly with the contrasting red interior. The extensive chrome trim and brightwork are in fine order, with the distinct sweeping body side treatment. The car rides on proper medium width whitewall tires and the wheels wear factory-original stainless hubcaps. Likewise, the interior is outstanding, with a similar careworn patina.”

It’s a love letter to doo-wop music and early Interstate travel, of highways and neon signs. Shame they’re so rare, but we’d put all of the miles we could on this car.

eBay Link: 1958 DeSoto Fireflite


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