1955 DeSoto Fireflite

The 1955 DeSoto model lineup comprised the entry-level Firedomee and the top-of-the-line Fireflite which was longer, wider, and sleeker than any previous DeSoto. All 1955 DeSoto models rested on a 126-inch wheelbase platform and had a length of 217.9 inches (station wagons were slightly longer at 218.6 inches). The Firedome was powered by a 291 cubic-inch V8 with hemispherical combustion chambers delivering 185 horsepower while the 291 CID V8 in the Fireflite had 200 horsepower. The Firedome used a two-barrel carburetor and the Fireflite a four-barrel version. Both were backed by a three-speed manual transmission with an overdrive manual or PowerFlite automatic with 'Flight Control' selector lever protruding from the dashboard being optional.

The youthful and spirited design theme, described as the 'Forward Look' was courtesy of Virgil Exner. Along with lower, longer, and wider body contours, the design incorporated space-age-inspired design cues, a 'Horizon' wraparound windshield, a seven-tooth grille with integrated bumper guards, floating parking lamps, and chrome trim. Both models had model identification on the front fenders. The top-line Fireflite models had unique side color sweep beauty panels on the hardtop and convertible body styles, additional chrome trim, rocker panel trim, and chrome fender top ornaments traversing back from the headlamps. Cars with the color-sweep styling treatments had an A V-8 emblem located on the rear quarter panel. Those without the color-sweep had the V-8 emblem slightly offset, ahead of the gas filler, and in line with the taillamp centerline. The fuel filler was in a new location, now positioned behind a door on the right rear quarter panel.

Body styles on the Fireflite Series included a sedan, Coronado Sedan, Sportsman Hardtop, and a convertible coupe with prices that ranged from $2,730 to $3,150. The combined sedan and Coronado sedan production reached 26,637 units, and 10,313 were Sportsman body styles. Just 775 were convertible coupes.

The Coronado had a three-tone exterior finish treatment and a leather interior. The four-door models had a single, flared side molding with a kick-up above the rear wheel housing.

The interior had aircraft-inspired design cues with a 'gull-wing' dash layout with a level of sophistication that appealed to the marque's upwardly mobile and successful buyers. The interior was roomy, comfortable, and uncannily quiet which helped set DeSoto further beyond the rest of the American passenger-car field. The Fireflite Sportsman had genuine leather-trimmed upholstery while other body styles had silky nylon upholstery and nylon carpeting.

The Firedome and Fireflite were joined by the Adventurer in 1956, a high-performance hardtop coupe that was built in a similar vein as Chrysler's 300B. The Fireflite model would continue until 1960. For 1961, DeSoto's final year of production, only a single V-8 model was offered, described as the Series RS1-L Eight.

by Dan Vaughan

The 1955 DeSoto Fireflite was wider and longer than previous DeSoto models. It came equipped with a V8 engine and PowerFlite automatic transmission. Multiple colors were used to highlight design details such as the fang-shaped panels. The windshield was DeSoto's first wrap-around design. The interior was new and slightly radical with a dual-cockpit gull-wing theme. The PowerFlite automatic was operated by a Flite-Control lever located on the dashboard. There was ample space to accommodate six adults comfortably. The bench seats were long and comfortable, available in leather upholstery. Under the hood lurked a powerful V8 engine producing 255 horsepower. It could propel the car from zero-to-sixty mph in less than eleven seconds with a top speed of 110 miles per hour. This was more standard horsepower than most other manufacturers offered on their vehicles.

The DeSoto was more than an exercise in design it was a unique riding experience. The engine and road noise was practically nonexistent for the driver and passengers. The suspension was smooth and there was comfortable performance. It was a lot of car for the money. The 1955 DeSoto's sold extremely well with over 114,765 examples produced, the best for the company since 1946. For 1956 DeSoto continued to climb the automotive industry ladder reaching 11th place in total production with 110,418 examples. However, this trend was temporary for the company; in five years' time, it was out of business.

In 1956 a gold and white Fireflite convertible was the official pace car for the 1956 Indianapolis 500, a prestigious responsibility. The word 'DeSoto' adorned the doors, painted in large block letters. On the raceway was a fitting slogan, 'DeSoto Sets the Pace.'

For 1957 the DeSoto appearance was modified with the help of Chrysler Corporation's head stylist, Virgil Exner. The design was bold and radical with tail fins, dual oval exhaust, and triple-lens taillights. At speed, the tail fins served a purpose by improving stability. The versatility of the Fireflite was expanded with the addition of a station wagon. The cars built in 1957 were spectacular in design but poor in quality. Some of the models leaked and could not keep the rain out of the vehicle during a storm. Others had defective transmissions, power steering units, radiators, and a slew of other problems. Many were prone to early rusting. This was the downfall that DeSoto endured and, ultimately, was unable to recover from.

The DeSoto Fireflite was an exquisite car with bold styling and proven performance.

by Dan Vaughan