The Firesweep was DeSoto’s entry level model from 1957-59 during Chrysler’s “Forward Look” years. What a bodacious era the late 1950s were for automotive design as almost every car maker went to one styling extreme or another. This ’58 Firesweep convertible is a gorgeous original that exemplifies what Auburn Hills was capable of doing. It doesn’t look like it would be anyone’s lowest price car. This numbers-matching survivor could be mistaken for a museum piece and yet several folks have put 70,000 miles on it over the years. It’s located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and available here on eBay for the Buy It Now price of $92,500 (but offers will be considered).
DeSoto was a respected automobile brand that was on the market for 33 years. The first DeSoto rolled off the assembly line in 1928 and the last one for 1961, suffering a similar fate as Ford and the Edsel. The DeSoto’s demise was a combination of a deep economic downturn, a confusing dealer network and poor brand management and marketing. The buying public apparently didn’t see a need for the DeSoto since there were already Plymouths, Dodges and Chryslers aplenty. The 1958 Firesweep was a Dodge under the skins – and while it had DeSoto’s signature tailfins – the front clip was based on the Dodge Coronet and the headlight design housed under heavily chromed lids was also like Dodge.
Fewer than 50,000 total DeSoto’s were built for 1958, with the Firesweep being the best seller at 19,000 cars. The convertible, like the seller’s drop-top, saw just 700 copies made. Research conducted by the seller tells us that this ragtop is only one of 12 known to have survived to this day, but we haven’t been able to confirm that. It looks like a rust-free car that’s wearing 95% of its original paint, according to the seller. The body is straight as an arrow and the chrome is original with no dents and no re-plating. The wire wheels are said to be correct for the year and model. The beautiful top is power-operated.
The interior here is quite inviting with the seats having been reupholstered in the correct NOS fabrics. There is even a period-correct tissue holder under the dash that hides a modern CD player! The car came with power steering and brakes from the factory, and the rest of the work is done by the driver. The push-button automatic transmission is typical Chrysler engineering and said to operate correctly.
The 350 cubic inch “Wedge” V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor is numbers-matching and was offered as a one-year only powerplant. The engine got its name from its wedge-shaped combustion chamber head. Even with the 2-barrel set-up, the motor ran on premium fuel because the compression ratio was 10.0:1. That enabled the engine to output 280 hp with 380 lb.-ft. of torque. Since new, the car has had five owners who averaged 14,000 miles a piece. This DeSoto is said to run and drive beautifully and has just been treated to an oil change, new pan gasket and new rear pinion seal.
Two extras are provided by the seller to induce the ultimate buyer. The first is a well-done video of the car in operation and the second is an offer to deliver it for free inside an enclosed trailer for up to 500 miles. Is the asking price of this car in the right territory? Well, a ’58 Firesweep convertible sold at the Russo & Steele Scottsdale auction last year for $107,000 and NADA lists the similar DeSoto Firedome at $109,000, so “you gotta pay if you wanna play.”
Wow, I had no idea that these could command such prices. Fantastic car.
Original survivor as classy as this will always find a home no matter the price. If it only had the available as a option hemi I’m positive it would sell for 6 figures fast.
Ticks a whole lot boxes, beautiful car and the price is well within bounds. I might have to move to get the free delivery though
I see a rusted out frame hole or two on the underside picture of the right rear trunk area by the body mount. Buyer beware at this price.
Rob C,
Those holes have been there since the car was manufactured. They were used to fasten the car down to the new car transporter, for delivery to the dealer. Another set can be found on the other rear frame section, and a matching set on the front frame ends as well. With all 4 chains in place and tightened down, the car had very limited movement during the delivery process.
Unlike Ford & GM frames of the 1950s and 1960s, Chrysler product frames rarely rust thru.
Looks like the car from movie Christine!
Same year, wrong make. Christine was a `58 Plymouth. But Plymouth never did build a Fury in red/white–that’s just movie lore. They were all Sandstone beige.
Christine was special, a one off, that’s when Satan possessed her.
To get back on target, that DeSoto is beautiful in it’s own right. There used to be a 50’s dance club in Detroit,Michigan on Telegraph called DeSoto’s that had a Desoto convertable in the middle of the dance floor. Always wanted to take it for a ride!
we had a 58 fury convert in. powder blue
DeSotos from this era in this condition have been very strong price wise for years now. There is one fuel injection model in Mass, restored by Tom White. He found the missing unit by overhearing a conversation at Carlisle years ago. The FI was very problematic and mechanics at the time just threw in the towel. A Chrysler executive in PA, instructed his wife it was in the attic. He kept it as Chrysler had a recall and put carbs on all the FI cars. The units were trashed. While this is a base engine car, still gorgeous and such a contrast to today’s plastic SUV crap. Love it.
I prefer the hardtop version,but,this will do………i would have to build a new garage to put it in
What is known as to how many left?
In San Diego, about 1979-80, a group of lawyers got together and created a 3 book series of thin books, titled: Automotive Information Clearinghouse,
How Many Are Left.
One, the 40’s, a 50’s, and a 60’s.
How it was done: Registered Vehicle serial numbers.
No way to locate parts cars, wrecking yards, barn cars, etc, not registered.
Not sure on non-op vehicles.
It was an effort with a moving target. At least it had a goal.
With this, 2 copyright dates are stated. 1981 and 1984.
For the 1958 Firesweep Convertible, number is 34 left.
Shutup, not done.
Non registered cars later registered from finds and being restored can change this number. Or, crashes, fires, weather, tornadoes, and so on dictate number changes.
Always thought DeSoto’s were way better looking than 55-60 Chevs in correlating years. No Hemi in 1958 DeSoto. All Wedges, including Adventurers.
Fuel Injection even on Chevies were junk.
Joe Machado, are there any copies online? I’d like to find out the number for my ’48 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet. Around 450 built, wonder how many are left.
Fred W, I have the confirmation of the 1958 Red Mercury Convertible show car also. Anyway. Still trying to buy it.
Body code 56, 1948 Cabriolet, 28 known 1984.
“Shutup, not done.”
LOL!
This would be number one on my unattainable bucket list! (sigh)
Outstanding car. Last month to was bid to $72,000 on BaT. RNM.
Yea.Thats a real car.beautiful classic american car. Beauty. People dont appreciate a vehicle like this
These cars kind of grow on you. I never liked them when they were new, but now I see their beauty. A cousin had a Plymouth convertible of same vintage back in the day. It was purple, huge and fun to drive. She allowed me to drive it quite often. Those were the days.
God bless America
I am not a Chrysler person but I like certain yrs –usually 57 thru 66 and a little into the early 70’s ,,now my wifes family were Chrysler people and her brother bot a 57 maybe 58 which I found for him just sitting in a yard near the high school we went to I told him about it (I should have bot it ) he bot it , motor was shot he tried to fix it and don’t know what happened to it after that cause he was not a mechanic,,but it was red ,convertible, and would have been a nice car,,that was probably about 1967, should coulda ,woulda
I had a ’57 Fireflight convertible with a tonneau cover. Great car, fun to drive.
When this car was conceived the only thing happening in Auburn Hills was orchards and waste dumping. Chrysler Corp. HQ was in Highland Park LOL.
Firesweep? I thought I had heard of all of the Chrysler Corp. models, but definitely not that one. Beautiful car.
DeSoto also had the Fireflite and Firedome in the 50s
Add Adventurer to the performance slot.
Checking my notes, 9 Adventurer convertibles are known to survive, 6 Fireflites, 12 Firedomes, and 23 Firesweeps.
Naturally, many more are likely still hiding away in garages, warehouses, and fields.
Last check, I had verified 22 surviving Sweep ragtops. This one was not one of them, so make that number 23. There are bound to be more.
The Firesweep is largely DeSoto in badging only. The rear body shell, bumpers, and interior are about the only thing DeSoto about them. The rest is straight-up Dodge. The buyer will want to understand that when they go looking for parts.
A very beautiful car.It’s another car that I would take over any Tri- Five Chevy any day.
Judging from the oil pan, this has been driven at it’s limits at least once. Hang on and enjoy the ride!
It seems like a car that the seller has put through several auctions already, only not to meet his Reserve.
He’s got a price in mind, but might be a long time until the right Firesweep lover comes along.
Apparently, he’s willing to wait.
Beautiful car. When the top goes down the price goes up!
I have to imagine the seller was planning on selling at the AACA meet in Hershey, since the car is so close and there are plenty of buyers for big money cars. But covid derailed those plans.
Good thing the seller is wiling to wait. They already found out that BAT and I’ll assume Carlisle too, isn’t the market for these kinds of cars.
But anyway.. whenever I see one of these era Desoto’s I flinch. Close to 20 years ago, I turned down a nice Fireflite hardtop that was for sale down the street from my then gf’s (now wife) house. It was perfect, priced right, she loved it, and I had the money. But it was all the $ I had and I was looking for a charger.
Every time we see one of these she still brings it up. After 20 years I feel like we have crossed paths with every single forward look Desoto ever made!
And to make matters worse… My buddy’s uncle bought the car I passed on!
So I have to see (and hear) it all the time!
Amazing price! Do buyers of collector vehicles at these price points drive them? Or simply hold them as investments. I’ve not seen any as a traveling salesman.
Kenn: yes, some of us drive the so called, expensive cars.
Example, my son, daughter, grandsons, we all love to drive them.
1960 Dodge Polara D500 Ram Induction Convertible, 1969 Dodge Daytona Red,1969 Charger RT/SE Sunroof, 1969 Dodge Daytona White, 1971 Charger RT, 1970 Barracuda 318 Two Tone loaded, 1970 Barracuda Convertible 4-speed with a Hemi and Air Pink, 1961 Imperial LeBaron, 2015 Nascar Xfinity Dodge Challenger Race Car.
Sold, but drove regularly, 1961 Dodge Phoenix Convertible, 1959 Dodge Spectator Wagon, 1969 Dodge Daytona, 1961 Dodge Phoenix 4 door Hardtop, 3-1969 Charger 500’s, one a Hemi.
Son is currently restoring to drive, another 1960 Dodge Polara D500 Ram Induction Convertible Pilot Car from St. Louis, as a new assembly plant.
1960 Dodge Polara D500 9-Passenger Wagon export when new from Mexico City.
Today, I am driving to Cars n Coffee in La Quinta, the 1961 Imperial LeBaron annd is off Washington South one signal from hwy 111.
After, get my truck and open trailer and driving to a old wrecking yard that his city is causing him trouble, so buying as many as we can too save. Not restore. We only want to save history.
$200.-$300. Each. In 3 weeks, what’s left gets crushed. Just got this info two days ago. Guessing, about 200 cars. Example from 2 pictures I was sent, 55-59 Imperial 2 doors, 1959 Edsel Wagon, Pink n White. I will get group pictures and can text to those havin time and room to save also. I can deliver. My cell: 760-413-9602. No calls please. Text the word, CARS. I then will text pictures
Talk about being a ‘Mopar family’!
Steve, I left out the 1962 Continental Convertible, 1969 Mark III, 1955 Chev, and the list goes on
Way, way out of my neighborhood!
I have one of the 12 currently in my garage in Florida. Matching number 350 still in it. Ower I bought it from had it a barn for 40 years. Just got to get back to restoring it.