Vehicle Description
1955 DeSoto Firedome
Hernando DeSoto was a Spanish Explorer who is credited to be the
first European to cross the Mississippi. This momentous event is
depicted in a massive work of art painted by William H. Powell,
that hangs in the rotunda where the very few lie in state. Watch
closely, and the next time they pan that room you'll see the
painting.
From the Spanish explorer, to the blue highway wanderer from 1955
named after him, this ORIGINAL (so states the consigner) title,
paint, and interior Firedome (HEMI Engine) Is a true find. Virgil
Exner a designer at Chrysler, used the long sweeping lines,
innovative use of chrome, and interior surfaces to die for, to
create this design that was way ahead of its time, and gave the Tri
Fives a real run for their money. Due to his work, born was the
term "The Big Three" as his work kept Chrysler on the map.
Exterior
A wrap around windshield, a seven-tooth grille, new hood ornaments,
and an innovative tail lamp cluster are seen on this Firedome. Two
tone Fireflite paint adorns this car and was an upgrade. "Bulls
Eye" headlamps which extend the beam, as well as highlight detail
in the brighter center front of the car. All exterior chrome, and
badging is correct and in excellent condition. Bumpers and smiling
grille with mini Dagmar, again sport clear and corrosion free
chrome.
Interior
Original all around with two tone metal, swooping lines, and retro
type font, gold Firedome badging. No runs drips or errors here, and
all gauges are working and clear. The odometer shows 59,704 which
consigner states are original miles clocked over its lifetime of
just two owners. Seats are perfect, as well as the big wheel
fronting the dash, which shows nary even a crack. A profile
portrait of our hero and the cars namesake dots the center of this
wheel. Carpets are clean, and stain free, with very little fade.
Headliner presents beautifully, and shows minimal water staining on
the passenger side. All buttons and pull knobs are functioning.
Drivetrain
A 3 on the tree which was a rare bird back in 1955 due to Chryslers
innovative and popular push button transmission. (The frugal farmer
who originally purchased the car did not want to spring for the
extra money) Is found on the steering column and actuates a 3-speed
transmission. The new for 1955 HEMI V8 276ci engine is topped by a
2-barrel carburetor. 4-wheel drum brakes are seen on what is a very
clean and original patina undercarriage, with only minor surface
rust present.
Keep in mind you are looking at an original car that is now 63
years young. Fit and finish is generally good, and alignment is
right there with the exterior clads. Paint is good, presenting just
a smidge thin in some areas, chrome is excellent, and drivability
is unmatched. When you arrive to view this original beauty tell
your salesperson "Groucho Sent Me and said If there's a highway to
heaven you can bet your life he'd driving a DeSoto!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find
collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania,
conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76
Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and
our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for
more information or to come see the vehicle in person.