1957 DeSoto Firesweep

DeSoto produced the Firesweep from 1957 through 1959, with 81,517 total examples built. Within the DeSoto lineup, it was the entry-level model, and for 1957 prices ranged from $2,775 to $3,300. Body styles included a two- and four-door Sportsman, a sedan, and a 6- and 9-passenger station wagon.

DeSoto vehicles received new chassis and styling for 1975, with bodies that were longer and lower than the previous year's designs. There were new sweep treatments, a larger bumper grille combination, new side trim, and new upswept rear fender tailfins.

The DeSoto Firesweep was powered by the overhead-valve, Dodge 'Poly' 325 cubic-inch V8 with 8.5:1 compression, five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a Carter two-barrel carburetor, and delivered 245 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. This engine was essentially a detuned polyspherical combustion chambered version of the Dodge 'Red Ram' 325 Hemi. With the optional Power-Pack four-barrel V8, the engine delivered 260 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. Transmission options included a two-speed PowerFlite, a three-speed TorqueFlite, or a three-speed column-shifted manual. All 1957 DeSoto vehicles came standard with automatic transmissions, with the lower-cost models receiving a slight additional cost. The PowerFlite automatic transmission, only offered in the Firesweep, added $180 to the base price. The TorqueFlite automatic, available in all models, was approximately $220 extra. Both of these automatic transmissions had push-button gear shifting. The three-speed manual with column-mounted gearshift was an uncommon 'deduct option' request.

The Firesweep rested on the shortest wheelbase platform in the lineup, measuring 122 inches compared to the 126-inch of the other models. The Firedome and Fireflite were powered by a 341.4 CID V8 (the Firedome had a Carter two-barrel carburetor and delivered 270 horsepower, and the Fireflite had a four-barrel Carter carburetor with 295 horsepower). The top-of-the-line Adventurer had a 345 CID V8 with 345 hp.

Standard equipment and features on the Firesweep included Torsionare torsion bar front suspension, Oriflow shocks, Total Contact brakes, Power-Tip spark plugs, and Safety-Lock door latches. Power window lifts, a six-way power seat, dual exhaust, power steering, power brakes, Air conditioning with Fresh Air heater, and tinted glass were among the options.

The best year for the DeSoto Firesweep was 1957, with 41,269 examples produced, accounting for nearly 33 percent of DeSoto's total production.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020