$14,000
At one time or another during its 1929-1961 run, DeSoto built the world’s most powerful V8, provided pace cars for Pike’s Peak and the Indy 500, scorched the sands of Daytona at 137 mph, lapped Chrysler’s banked proving grounds at 144 mph, introduced the first mass-produced hidden headlights, and helped pioneer the concept of Detroit-built performance cars long before coining of the term “muscle car”.
At one time or another during its 1929-1961 run, DeSoto built the world’s most powerful V8, provided pace cars for Pike’s Peak and the Indy 500, scorched the sands of Daytona at 137 mph, lapped Chrysler’s banked proving grounds at 144 mph, introduced the first mass-produced hidden headlights, and helped pioneer the concept of Detroit-built performance cars long before coining of the term “muscle car”.
A direct descendant of 1952’s DeSoto Firedome, a hemi-powered Muscle Car trailblazer, the Fireflite was offered with a number of V8 options, and the auction example features the new-for-1959 big-block 383 B rated at 325 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque.
Styled under Chrysler’s visionary Vice President of Design Virgil Exner, these cars feature some of the largest tail fins of the era, and despite (because of?) Detroit’s favorite excesses of the time, it’s quite a balanced and handsome car from any angle.
Paint has been reapplied in the factory combination of white and baby blue, and the car’s elaborate trim and brightwork reflect the fact that this was an exclusive machine.
Exner’s taste for bold, expressive forms comes through just as well inside the expansive six-passenger cabin, where design highlights include push-button transmission controls and a not-entirely-optimistic 120 mph ribbon speedometer.
Power comes from a range-topping 383 B series motor in its debut year. All DeSoto V8’s were division-unique to one extent or another, and in this application their 383 variant developed 325 hp and 425 lb-ft.
Motivation is routed rearward through Mopar’s super-tough TorqueFlite automatic, brakes are hefty 12” drums all around, and handling was exceptional for the time thanks to performance tuned torsion bar front and leaf-sprung solid axle rear suspension - these cars are most definitely not the typical “Detroit land barge” of the day. Both steering and brakes are power assisted.
One of 4,480 post sedan Fireflites built for the year, the car has been owned by the seller for 21 years, during which time it has been driven regularly, kept in climate-controlled storage, and maintained by qualified vintage car specialists. Full maintenance records are included.
Big, flashy, fast, and historically significant, there’s tons (roughly two of them) to love about this big-block orphan. Estimated $20,000 - $30,000.
