Rarity claims must always be taken at face value when made with no documentary evidence. However, when a classic rolled off the line in limited numbers many years ago, they begin to look plausible. Such is the case with this 1957 DeSoto Firedome Convertible. The seller states that only eighteen examples are known to exist, and that seems possible. It is an unmolested survivor requiring restoration, and the Firedome has caused quite a stir since the seller listed it here on eBay in Sarasota, Florida. It may be the originality or the rarity claims, but eighty-two bids have pushed the price to $42,056 in a No Reserve auction.
The Firedome spent eight years sliding up and down the company’s product range before the final generation represented the mid-line model from 1957 until 1959. DeSoto offered buyers four body styles in 1957, with this car’s original owner selecting the Convertible variant. Personalization was the name of the game with the Firedome because buyers could choose from an extraordinary range of single or two-tone paint combinations in 1957. This Convertible rolled off the line wearing Code A Black, and I admit I don’t remember seeing an identical vehicle. The seller describes it as a solid survivor, and its presentation is acceptable if the winning bidder treads the preservation path. However, there is rust, and since DeSotos from this era enjoyed an unfortunate reputation for developing severe problems, addressing it as part of a faithful restoration might be the best strategy. It has impacted the trunk below the twin antennas, with visible issues in the headlamp eyebrows. It may be developing in the passenger side lower rear quarter panel. The steel penetration isn’t extensive because the floors, inner rockers, and frame are rock solid. Therefore, well-executed patches may be a better alternative to wholesale panel replacement. The seller provides no insight into the state of the power top, but the exterior trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade restoration.
Chrysler’s Hemi engine range enjoys a well-earned reputation for excellent performance, and the 341ci unit occupying this engine bay should be no exception. It sends 270hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The first owner was happy to tick a few boxes on the Order Form, meaning the driver enjoys the benefit of power assistance for the steering and brakes. This Firedome tips the scales at 4,340 lbs, and what appears to be a relatively modest output from the Hemi should provide lackluster performance. However, this drop-top will cover the ¼-mile in a noteworthy 17.1 seconds, running out of breath as the needle nudges 120mph. Potential buyers can consider this DeSoto a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives perfectly, ready to provide summer fun.
The first owner didn’t reserve their cash splash to the drivetrain, equipping the interior with power windows, a power front seat, and an AM radio. The interior is complete, but it looks mighty tired. It is serviceable if the buyer throws blankets or slipcovers over the shredded seats, but a retrim is on the horizon. The seller has commenced that process by ordering new seatcovers from SMS. They haven’t taken delivery but will on-sell them to the buyer with a discount if required. That is the tip of the iceberg because the remaining upholstered surfaces and dashpad are probably beyond the point of no return. However, the power options function correctly, and tackling an interior retrim is often the most rewarding part of any restoration.
It is time to revisit the seller’s rarity claim about this 1957 Firedome Convertible and assess its plausibility. Desoto produced 20,522 examples of the Firedome across all body styles in 1957, but only 1,297 buyers selected the Convertible. During this period, Chrysler was experiencing quality control issues across all of its brands, and DeSoto was one of the worst affected. Poor panel fitment allowed water to flow into areas it shouldn’t have, and the ensuing rust issues claimed many of these cars very quickly. Therefore, the low initial production total and the prevailing factors that year make it possible that only eighteen of these cars remain. The bidding history suggests plenty of people want to be this Firedome’s new owner, but are you tempted to join what is becoming a bidding war?
Great lines from a bygone era, but pushing 45K and reserve not met? I’m not seeing it. I think it is going to need at least 10K in repairs, but with limited pictures, who knows?
It’s a no reserve auction man
It’s going across the pond when it sells…….
I’m no Mopar fan, but this car is gorgeous.
I’d love to pull this into the local gas station!!! No whitewalls please.
Oh no, it’s gotta have wide whites, period.
Learned to drive on a55 Black DeSoto Firedome and have loved DeSoto ever since. This Black Beauty seems unique in solid color without typical body, molding. Out of my price range, but I’m sure someone will say the secret word 😉 and Drive home this 🎵 Delightful 🎶Delovely 🎵DeSoto 🎶. And be sure to tell em Groucho sent you 😉
I love the way the rear bumper turns up and appears to continue all the way to the top of the fins.
The rust is unfortunate, but it’s minuscule compared to most 1957 Chrysler products. Some had their headlight eyebrows rust through after just a few months. You’d think Chrysler would have learned from that, but the ’76 Aspen and Volare had a similar issue. I guess everybody who worked on the ’57s had retired by then.
My parents had a 76 Aspen wagon with that problem. Reliable car, but rust and rot was a problem, I remember waiting for the antenna to fall off, the hole on top of that fender was so big. The push-button HVAC controls were another problem.
I can never understand why Chrysler didn’t spend a bit more for inner fender liners.
Man! This ride is gorgeous. I’d love to see it restored. As Adam’s great write up states the fender rust. I can relate to this. Growing up in the 60’s, our family truckster was a 58 Plymouth Custom Suburban wagon. The fender brows were completely rotted out and driving in the rain, hitting water puddles, water would shoot out above the headlights like a water feature! Even as a young boy, I’m thinking this can’t be good. Something’s gonna short out or something. I mean all this water is hitting the backside of the headlights and wiring. Never did. But sadly the car was out of commission and sold off in 1968. It was only 10 years old.
Interesting and cool car. I hope it lands with a new owner who will give it some love. Good write-up Adam.
For that price one would think the seller could detail the engine, just saying?
I’m rather curious as to the sellers claim of this car being one of eighteen remaining. Does this include the FOUR that are in a private collection in Western Australia…??
I mean, is “1 of 22” any less impressive?
This 1957 DeSoto is so much better looking than any 1957 GM anything!
The 57 Chrysler Corp Forward Look took the industry by storm. It took GM until 59 to field a new lineup, dropping plans to face lift their 58s.
Excepting 57 Caddy Eldo Biaritz
Another DeSoto! Oh joy! Unabashed DeSoto fan that I am l absolutely love this. I’ve seen pristine examples sold for nearly six figures so I’m not surprised that there is a lot of interest in this car at the current bid. Rust was busy devouring all cars of this era with particular ferocity in places where salt was used in the winter. My Dad’s 1958 Chevy was a total rust bucket by the end of its eleven year life span. No inner front fender liners and nice nooks and crannies above the headlights assured the tin worm would take up residence in short order. Some lucky person is going to acquire a flashy ride with this one. GLWTS.
Bidding now toping $47k. Notice there are no photos of the rag top up–may be in worse shape than the back seat. “Rare” does not necessarily mean “valuable” in this case. Too much investment on the interior and top required.
Beautiful car!! It’s going to need alot of love!
first glance and thought ‘Batmobile’
Holy tailfins Batman. You could teach me how to drive on this honey before turning me loose in the Batmobile.
—-Robin
Are those “dual” headlights, or are the inner lamps parking lights? I thought dual headlights were illegal until 1958?
Those are dual headlights. I believe that duals were in the process of becoming legal. Chrysler boldly went ahead. The duals were soon approved. Another aspect of Exners Forward Look! 🏆
Thank you!
For 57 Plymouth, Dodge, and DeSoto Firesweep had single headlights with auxiliary lenses filling the space. I believe some 57 DeSotos actually had a single headlight mounted in the center of the large opening. 🤔
Glad to help. I believe this is a great place to share information as well as check out these great cars. 👍 Born in 47 and have been interested in cars (especially Luxo Liners) since a kid.
It was a state-by-state thing in those days (fed car mandates were a decade away) and the quad headlights were legal in most states (38 of the 48, IIRC). In the states where they were not yet legal, some automakers sold a dual-headlight alternative (DeSoto and other Chrysler Corp makes; Mercury Turnpike Cruiser) while others like Nash and Cadillac (Eldorado Brougham only) just sold the quads in all states as states were moving quickly to legalize them. Apparently carmakers had expected quads to be legal nationwide by ’57 but some states had yet to pass the legislation.
Had a couple Chrysler products with the “rotatable” vents in the dash pad, and loved that feature. Frost disappeared quickly. I can’t afford these though.
I agree with Carbob. All vehicles rusted if they were driven in snow where salt was used. They all had areas that developed rust quickly and I haven’t seen too much difference between makes. We had a 57 Desoto when it was new and my Dad traded it in on a new 64 Rambler. Our Desoto was a four door so not as nice as this one. I would love to have this car but don’t have the stamina to restore so I will pass on it. Someone will be lucky to have this rare car.
IMHO, the ’57 DeSoto is one of the nicest designs to ever come out of Detroit.
Up to $56.5K
Not Surprising. Probably will keep climbing. It’s hard to find a DeSoto this age still going strong. If I were younger, I would have bid, but it’s out of my reach. Just hope it STAYS where it was born in the USA 🇺🇸. 😉
“This listing was ended by the seller on Sun, May 12 at 6:59 AM because there was an error in the listing.”
What’s that about?