Most automakers saw a big decline in sales in 1958 due to an economic recession. But DeSoto saw demand fall by 61%, and it dropped another 8% in 1959 when other car builders saw a rebound starting. So, by 1960, the handwriting had to be on the wall at Chrysler. And, sure enough, early into the 1961 model year, the DeSoto was gone after 33 seasons. The seller has a beautiful 1960 Fireflite 2-door hardtop, one of just 3,984 to leave the assembly line. It’s an older restoration that’s held up well, though an engine swap is likely. Located in Wagener, South Carolina, this finned wonder from Chrysler is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $30,000.
For the 1960 model year, DeSoto scaled back to just two models, the Fireflite and the Adventurer. Total sales of just over 26,000 units favored the former by a small margin of 55/45. Whichever nameplate you chose, the cars were well-equipped for their day, and this one has power steering, power brakes, a push-button automatic transmission, and swiveling front seats. The car was restored some time ago but looks as fresh as a daisy today.
This DeSoto has changed hands at least three times, but each owner seems to have been respectful of it. The mileage isn’t indicated (a placeholder is used), and we’re told the upholstery is new. The body lines are clean (dig those wild fins!), the white paint is very nice, and there’s no rust anywhere (Chrysler switched to unibody in 1960).
We’re told the 440-cubic-inch V8 has been freshly rebuilt. But it must be from 1965 or later, as DeSoto used 361s and 383s in 1960 when this car was assembled. So, if numbers matching is a must-have for you, this DeSoto may not suit your tastes. Be careful backing one of these cars up as the tailfins could “put your eye out”! Our thanks go to “PRA4SNW” for the vintage tip.
This is indeed a nicely restored Desoto. I can only imagine how difficult it might be to get some of the Desoto specific trim pieces, etc. 30 grand is a lot of money, but you couldn’t restore one as nicely as this one for that or less. Hope it goes to a good new home.
Fantastic – Chryslers always where the best designed cars.
GM from 1959-1966 can’t be beat with a sweet spot from 62-64…
Reminds me of Professor Cosmo Fishhawk’s car
10 likes for that one Dave!!! I loved that comic strip, and his poor old Desoto. Thanks for posting that!!!
One of the memorable ones was his mechanic explaining to him “I found what is clogging your fuel system . . . it’s the carburetor” LOL
Funny cartoons indeed! Being able to spot it in a parking lot was one of the best.
Nice “point” about those fins Russ, but they’ll take out more than an eye. Lol
Love it! Can you imagine it with a four speed! Sorry that’s just me I guess lol everything goes better with a four speed! Very nice car!!!
Very good looking Desoto. I remember when they came out and was impressed with the styling. The shifter push buttons were very creative for their time.
I have the same car in a Desoto Adventurer built in Canada. Interstingly only 600 Desoto coupes were built in Canada and they had the Saratoga interior. Must be they were winding down.
you will never see anything like this again from any manufactures today.
I wonder how difficult it is to find the molding on the driver’s side.
Driveinstyle has hit all the proper points. $30k seems a little steep, BUT you are talking an excellently restored low number turnkey entry or expansion in the classic car hobby. Buy it, drive it, show it, and most of all ENJOY it!!!!
Simply this is a jaw dropping good looking car. The 440 didn’t come out until’66 but that wouldn’t defer me from admiring this rare beauty. As someone mentioned earlier you couldn’t fully restore one at 30K and I hope this one goes to a good home.
The largest engine in Chrysler Corporation’s lineup in 1960 was the 413. The 440 didn’t arrive until the 1966 model year.
Awesome car! Hope that it goes to a good home that will preserve it and keep it original.
The top edge of that taillamp bezel is blunt compared to the sharpened tip atop the taillamp fin on my 1962 Cadillac. I’ll bet finding replacement lens for those chrome trimmed taillamps is pretty near impossible.
What a breathtaking beauty. The American public must have been blind not to buy this car by the boat load. How ead such a make bit the dust.