Vehicle Description
1958 DeSoto Firesweep Convertible
This particular model was only produced for 3 years and this exact
model year as a convertible topped the production charts with a run
of a mere 700 units...a very rare bird indeed. These cars were
built on the cheap, and no attention was paid to surfaces exposed
to the elements, particularly underneath, and they literally began
to rust within two years of their purchase. So a low run, and the
rust problem make this particular car a real find.
For consignment one of ONLY 12 known to exist, (the rest literally
rusted away), 1958 DeSoto Firesweep Convertible. It sports its
original body which remains rust free and has a restored
convertible top and refreshed interior which still leans toward the
original design by Virgil Exner. All this was placed on a Dodge
Custom Royal chassis and introduced to the public. Within the time
span of 3 years DeSoto would cease to exist as a brand. Let's call
it De-Licious
Exterior
Tutti frutti, oh rootie...Tutti frutti, oh rootie....Wop bop a loo
bop a lop bam boom, and the way back machine has placed us in 1958
where Peabody and I are about to meet one of 12 survivors in the
form of the DeSoto Firesweep. Our example has its original
unrestored body, which based on this car's track record makes it
worth its weight in gold, (well almost!). This stunner with its
Batmobile-esque chrome rimmed dual headlights, large 3 tire chrome
bumper with thin oval styled open grille leads the way. D E S O T O
badging and a cloisonne hood badge is not enough so we add an
ornament that appears as a futuristic chromed glider. Moving back,
straight rust-free quarter panels surround the front chrome spoke
wire wheels and we see the beginnings of a De-liteful trim "sweep"
spear first in chrome, then adding a holly red contrasting insert.
This is stunning as it moves to the back of the car where it gets
progressively wider and eventually morphs into a massive fin
housing the taillights. A new black canvas convertible top in
perfect working order sports a clear plastic rear window. On the
trunk lid are vertical chrome ribs and these float in a field of
pearl white paint. Another big chrome bumper for the rear which
culminates with in-bumper exhaust, (no longer in use), and topped
by the vertical triangular fin taillights. De-licious for
De-Soto!
Interior
DeSoto was famous for their cutting edge use of various materials
for the interiors, and this car will not disappoint. Red vertical
ribbed sill panels lead us off up top then a strip of chrome where
a cool white panel houses the black armrest, pull, and shiny
actuator and window crank. Next up is some square stitched burlap
textured broadcloth, then a smooth red panel to end up on the
bottom. Inside the seats which have been restored are looking
De-liteful with more shades of tan broadcloth inserts which have a
hint of tuck and roll. These are surrounded by red vinyl bolster
with some tuck and roll texture thrown in for excitement. A split
bench runs from door to door and a couch like bench is in the back
all floating in a near perfect sea of black carpeting. Upfront the
dashed pure Exner with more chromed bezels, painted panels,
futuristic star knobs, and a "shot glass" pattern aluminum panel
with a gold Firesweep badge in grandmother's handwriting in the
center. A two-tone black and white steering wheel fronts this dash
and shows in excellent condition. A futuristic push button
transmission is seen to drivers left, and just below center is a
Kleenex dispenser which houses an aftermarket radio. Just perusing
the interior you can feast your eyes on various red vinyl, canvas
broadcloth, tuck and roll stitched vinyl and just a hint of darker
brown thrown in...beautiful De-lineation between these
surfaces.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood which has its original insulation still somewhat
intact (careful!!) a beautifully restored correct 350ci wedge V8
with black accenting and a machined patina metal look is just
De-lerious. A single 2-barrel carburetor is atop, and on back a 2
speed Powerflite automatic transmission pushes power to the rear
axle which is designated as 3.31.
Undercarriage
A very light coating of surface rust is seen intermittently along
with some patina surfaces but amazingly rockers and wheel wells are
looking solid. So be it for the X frame and other bolt ons, as well
as the front torsion bar suspension and rear leaf springs. Power
drum brakes are all around.
Drive-Ability
A quick efficient starter, and smooth runner, it had nice
acceleration, decent handling (it's a BIG car) and smooth shifting
at the push of a button. All functions were working at the time of
the test drive.
With a pan gasket and rear pinion seal replaced recently, she is a
no leak car, no rust and 1 of 12. Need I say more?? Oh, and also
the optional original dash clock is included but is untested.
LS13681
L-1958
S-Desoto
1-Firesweep
3681-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located 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.
