1955 DeSoto Firedome

The DeSoto Company made its debut in 1928, designed to compete in the mid-market segment against such companies as Studebaker and Buick. After Chrysler purchased Dodge, Walter Chrysler re-positioned DeSoto within the corporate lineup, and from 1933, DeSoto was an upscale 'idea car,' rivaling GM's Oldsmobile. Among the many advanced features pioneered by DeSoto included the Miller-inspired grille in 1932-1933, hidden headlights in 1942, and a long-wheelbase, highly-trimmed Suburban prestige utility sedan built from 1946 to 1952.

The immediate popularity of the DeSoto was attributed to its attractive styling and a reliable, affordable six-cylinder drivetrain. The DeSoto Fireflite model was introduced in 1952, powered by the first installation of a V-8 engine into the DeSoto Custom Series. This engine had proved its reliability and potential in Chrysler automobiles since 1951, but it was the first V-8 powering a production DeSoto since 1931. The 276 cubic-inch engine offered 160 horsepower, and 45,830 examples of the Fireflite were sold in 1952, making it the most popular DeSoto model for the year.

DeSoto had been of relatively modest mechanical specification for most of its existence. This changed when DeSto became the second Chrysler Corporation marque to get V8 power. Although it was a smaller version of Chrysler's new Hemi-head V8, it developed 160 horsepower from 276 cubic inches, only ten percent less power than Chrysler from 55 fewer cubic inches.

Sales doubled as DeSoto celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1953, reaching 86,502 units. Among the changes were updated styling and an optional air conditioning system joined the list. The next year, Chrysler's PowerFlite automatic transmission became available and boosted power to 170 horsepower. By 1955, the Firedome Hemi V-8 had grown to a displacement size of 291 cubic inches, and its horsepower was rated 185. The big news, however, was the complete 'Forward Look' redesign, courtesy of Virgil Exner. The deep, wraparound windshield accented the wider stance, complemented by the generous use of chrome trim and jet-age-inspired styling cues. The new DeSoto was capable of going from zero-to-sixty mph in under eleven seconds and had a top speed of 110 mph. The public agreed with the styling and performance combination, earning DeSoto 11th place in the United States sales ranking with 114,753 units sold. This would be one of the final hurrahs for the company, as by 1960, they were out of business.

The 1955 DeSoto model lineup included the entry-level Firedome and the top-of-the-line FireFlite. Both offered a sedan, convertible coupe, and Sportsman hardtop. The FireDome added a station wagon and special coupe, while the Fireflite added a Coronado Sedan. Prices on the Firedome ranged from $2,500 to $3,130 while the prices on the Fireflite were approximately $225 higher.

The only engine offered was the overhead valve 291 CID V8 with hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, and 185 horsepower on the Firedome and 200 on the Fireflite. A three-speed manual with a column-mounted gearshift was standard, and an overdrive manual and PowerFlite automatic were optional. All bodies rested on a 126-inch wheelbase and had an overall length of 217.9 inches. The station wagons were slightly longer, at 218.6 inches. Optional equipment included power steering, power brakes, power front seat, power windows, air conditioning, radios, and white sidewall tires. Soon after production began, the Fireflite's color sweep treatments became an option on the Firedome. Around this time, the sun cap visors also became optional. The Firedome came standard with waterproof ignition, Oriflow shock absorbers, adjustable speed electric windshield wipers, five tubeless tires, and Safety Rim wheels.

The 1955 DeSoto was longer, lower, and wider than previous DeSoto models, with a prominent seven-tooth grille with integrated bumper guards and floating parking lamps. The Firedome and Fireflite had their names in script on the front fenders. The Firedome had chrome bodyside molding, with a slight kickup above the rear wheel housing.

The Firedome and Fireflite models were similar, separated by the level of chrome trim, interior accouterments, interior comfort, and engine output.

The aeronautically inspired cockpit featured a gull theme creating a simplistic driver and passenger dashboard with plenty of power features controlled by chromed switchgear. The radio and clock options were centered on the dashboard, with all gauges and the dash-mounted automatic shift lever positioned to the left.

The sedan was the most popular Firedome body style with 46,388 examples sold. 28,944 were Sportsman hardtops, and 1,803 were station wagons. The station wagons were the most expensive in the lineup, with a price of $3,125, followed by the convertible coupe, listed at $2,825. 625 examples of the Firedome convertible coupe were built in 1955. The lower-priced DeSoto Firedome proved to be the more popular of the two models, accounting for approximately sixty-seven percent of DeSoto's 1955 production.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2020