DeSoto Fireflite | 1955

DeSoto Fireflite | 1955

Highlights:

– 4.8-litre (291 cu in) V8 petrol engine, paired with an automatic transmission

– Power steering fitted, with the power steering system having been restored

– Generator restored

– New tyres fitted front and rear

– Two-tone green paintwork

The seller offers for sale this 1955 DeSoto Fireflite, powered by a 4.8-litre V8 engine, paired with an automatic transmission. Finished in two-tone green, the car is fitted with power steering, the system for which has been restored, along with the generator. New tyres have been fitted front and rear. According to the seller, the car presents in good condition throughout.

Introduced for 1955 as part of DeSoto’s dramatic “Forward Look” redesign penned by Virgil Exner, the Fireflite was the marque’s new range-topping model, sitting above the Firedome and bringing wider, lower, more modern styling along with a four-barrel version of DeSoto’s 291-cubic-inch Hemi V8. Distinguished by its bold two-tone paint schemes, chrome side sweep trim and swept-back fender ornaments, the Fireflite was offered as a sedan, hardtop coupe and convertible, and helped drive DeSoto to its best sales year since 1946. The PowerFlite automatic transmission, operated by a distinctive dashboard-mounted lever, added a further note of modernity to what was already one of the most striking American cars of its era.

The 291-cubic-inch Hemi V8 gives the Fireflite strong, smooth performance for the period, while power steering makes the big sedan easy to manoeuvre. Inside, the car offers generous bench seating for up to six passengers, in keeping with the model’s role as a comfortable, family-oriented flagship. With its restored electrics and steering, fresh tyres and striking two-tone finish, this Fireflite offers an eye-catching and usable entry into 1950s American motoring.

Condition of the bodywork & paint

4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.

Condition of the interior

4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.

Technical condition

4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.

Overall condition

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.

We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.

All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.

Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.

This car is currently located in: Upper Austria state, Austria.

This car drives, brakes and shifts.

The car has a Austrian registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.

The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.

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