Since the dawn of the automotive era, many manufacturers have come and gone. For me, DeSoto is one of the more interesting, because while many of its problems were self-inflicted in the style of the infamous Edsel, it is a brand that is not as instantly recognizable for this. This 1957 DeSoto Firesweep Sportsman is one of the cars that marked the beginning of the end for the brand, but unlike so many examples that rolled off the DeSoto line in that particular year, it seems to have survived for more than five decades without dissolving into a pile of rusty metal. If you would like to become the owner of an interesting 1950s classic, then you will find the Firesweep located in Palm Springs, California, and listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set the listing to open at $15,950, but at this point, there have been no bids submitted in what would appear to be a No Reserve auction. However, with 83 people currently watching the listing, you can’t help but wonder whether this situation is set to change in the very near future. I really have to take the opportunity to thank Barn Finder Ikey H for spotting this beauty for us.
One of the biggest issues to face DeSoto at around the time that our feature car rolled off the line was in the area of quality control. In this case, it tended to lack two key elements. These were quality…and control. Significant issues with the fit of panels and glass meant that moisture could find its way into some pretty undesirable areas of the Firesweep, and it wasn’t unusual to see a Firesweep that was less than 2-years-old developing serious rust issues. Prevention was actually a pretty easy task because a bit of tinkering with panel adjustments was capable of stopping these issues before they could start. That isn’t to say that all examples of the Firesweep succumbed to these problems, because good ones did roll off the production line. This looks like it might have been one of those cars, because not only are there no visible problems, but the owner makes no mention of rust in the areas that we can’t see. He does claim that the two-tone combination of Seafoam Green and Tamarack Green is actually the original paint with which the car left the factory. He admits to it having a few chips and marks, but if this really is 63-year-old paint, then this is no real surprise. The external trim and chrome gleam nicely, while the tinted glass also looks to be really good. The condition of the trim is actually quite important because sourcing replacement trim pieces today is a very difficult task. In several photos, the car is wearing aftermarket wheels, but a set of good original hubcaps are included in the sale. The owner suggests that fitting a set of standard wheels, wide whitewall tires, and these hubcaps, would have the car looking quite striking.
The aftermarket wheels provide just a hint that this DeSoto might not be completely original, and popping the hood would seem to confirm this. What should be residing in the engine bay is a 325ci “Poly” V8. However, that looks suspiciously like a Hemi to me, but the owner makes no mention of the car receiving an upgrade to the actual powerplant. He does state that the previous owner spent $8,000 on the engine and that not only does he hold documentation to verify this, but many of the original engine parts are included in the sale. The car is also fitted with an automatic transmission, and I believe that it is the 2-speed PowerFlite version. I think that I can see some indication that power steering and power brakes are also part of the package. The bad news is that the car doesn’t currently run, but it would seem that the solution might be quite a simple one. Apparently, the starter motor has failed, so the owner feels that a new starter and battery cable will address this. It does make me wonder why he wouldn’t perform this work himself, but life is a strange thing.
The interior of the DeSoto is largely original, and its condition is extremely good. The front seat has had the cloth insert on the base replaced at some point, but if the next owner chooses to try and return it to its original appearance, then the correct insert material is quite easy to source. The rear seat wears a plastic cover, and it looks to be in as-new condition. The carpet seems to be free of wear and fading, while the remaining trim and the headliner look close to perfect. The Firesweep has a great looking dash, and this features both a clock and a factory radio. The good news here is that everything inside the car works exactly as it should. The owner states that the car has previously spent some time on display in a museum, and this might well explain its overall condition. He also claims that this explains the fact that the vehicle has a genuine 53,000 miles on its odometer, but doesn’t indicate whether he holds any documentary evidence to back this claim.
The 1957 model year marked the most successful for sales of the Firesweep, with a total of 41,269 cars finding their way to new homes. Of these, 13,333 were the Sportsman 2-Door Hardtop version. Finding a nice one today is becoming more difficult due to the corrosion issues that I mentioned earlier. This one does appear to be a good one, and I really won’t be surprised if one of those individuals currently watching the listing chooses to submit a bid in the very near future. It is even possible that someone could wind up owning the car by submitting a single bid. That really would be something.
I’ve said this before regarding the ’57-’59 Chryslers: It’s amazing to me how many different models they produced over the 5 lines, Plymouth, Dodge, Desoto, Chrysler, and Imperial. So many different permutations of fins, interiors, exterior trim treatments, front end treatments. It’s mind-boggling how they kept track of it all. Yes, I know the platforms were all the same, but still, imagine the various models in various color combinations and trim levels….it’s seems like an infinite number of combinations to manage. Oh and the truck lines too. Geesh that’s a lot of parts!
And that is precisely why Chrysler decided to terminate DeSoto production. Without clearcut market segment targets high end Dodges were overlapping lower priced DeSotos. The Firesweep uses the Dodge body. Higher end DeSotos were overlapping lower end Chryslers. The Firedome uses the Chrysler body. As Dodge and Chrysler were able to cover the Desoto market niche there was really no room for the DeSoto brand and no reason for it to exist. The recession of 1958 hit all Chrysler divisions hard and the market for cars like Desoto shrank while at the same time the economics steered buyers to the many new import cars begining to to arrive in the US. The similarities of styling and features created further confusion for buyers. I mean, how many varieties of stainless side-spears are enough? That’s my understanding of it all. You may already know all of this.
This is a nice looking DeSoto.
You’ll love this ad …
“5 inches LOWER & 93 MODELS & 417!!!! COLOR COMBOS to choose from!!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_nABH8GU8c
Today you get just black, white, gray, & silver “color” choices on many now expensive 4 door ONLY!! “entry level” “cars”. & have to pay many thousands of dollars more for packages that allow you to also choose blue & red – wow! – aren’t we so lucky today!
Also, the 1955 turbine special – no penalty in fuel economy 200 lb lighter!! yet later turbine cars got bad mpg
hmmh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsmWMOsi7xY
And they say these new cars have an “angry” look about the grill styling, this looks down right mean to me,unique car over all none the less.You like fins? this be the one to get!
Not to mention 2-doors, 4-doors, post/no post.
I’ve lived in Palm Springs for many years and have never seen this car. It must have been hiding or is new to the area. It is pretty nice though.
The ad says it just needs a starter to run…my question is, why in the world would the seller not fix it? Then you would have a runner, and no questions about the tranny and rear end…lazy? maybe…but I suspect there are more issues…but it is sure pretty…
I agree. Spending that much money for maybe lawn art? I’m sure it just may need a starter but you’re just killing the sale with this issue.
Because we got old and old doesn’t like to fix things anymore.
I think the seller is hoping is just needs a starter.
I am pretty sure there will be a starter & alternator rebuilder somewhere within a 20 minute drive from the seller’s location that will rebuild that starter motor for about $50.00 or less. I have 2 of those places less than 10 minutes from where I live.
Maybe the seller isn’t a gear head and doesn’t know any better, or maybe even how to get the starter out.
Beautiful car, and I hope the new owner gets it running and appreciates it.
I took a generator to a guy to rebuild. Be cuase it was winter and I had no place to work on it myself. He said he was busy and it would take awhile. No problem I,d wait–about 6 months. I picked it up and paid the man $40. It didn,t look like it had been taken apart. Got it home.Took it apart. The sob never done anything to it. I ordered the parts and done it myself–$40–PLUS I TOLD ALOT OF PEOPLE ABOUT HIM AND HE LOST OUT AND CLOSED HIS DOORS
This is a restomod, with that modern ignition system and Edelbrock manifold. It would be great if a 392 Firedome was in there but the ignition wire covers look to be off-centered. Why stick with a generator?
Didn’t the original dual exhausts exit via the oval ports under the taillights?
Bottom line is that the seller doesn’t seem to know a lot about the car. Maybe if it doesn’t sell the price will move to where someone knowledgeable will take a chance.
Whatever it is, it sure is neat. The 1st car I can remember riding in was my parents ’59 or ’60 DeSoto 4 door, this same color. We used to take turns on the rear package tray, the old man would hit the brakes, we’d go flying into the back of the front seat. HORRORS today, we thought it was fun. It had one of those ribbon speedos, which I think this has, up to 30 was green, 30-50, yellow, or orange, and anything over 50 was red, I think, anyway, as a kid, I always wondered what was after red? We never found out, as my old man hardly ever got it “in the red” anyway. Just a tank, barely fit in our garage. Fantastic car, for sure.
I don’t know about the engine but that’s a red top optma batt. in it. I love the looks and color’s of this car, I just like to stare at it, it’s so cool. Later……………………………………….JIMMY
I truly fell in love with this one, such an amazing color combo in seemingly great condition. Apparently a no reserve auction and so far only 1bid? I mean, even if the body were all mud and the engine frozen there would still be at least 15k worth of DeSoto parts here…?
Actually Paolo, The Firesweep utilized only the Dodge front clip while retaining the DeSoto grille/bumper–from the cowl back the sheet metal is Chrysler. Engine-wise, the 325 poly head V8 was the Dodge unit and NOT a hemi; that was the 345 C.I. V8 the Firedome & Fireflite used. Except for the dash, the interior is very much like a Dodge but with differences here & there. This Firesweep is actually among the rarest `57 offerings today, as most obviously favor the Fireflites with all their trim, Hemi V8, and the ultra-rare Adventurer models. The paint on this certainly shines; at first glance I thought it was because the car had just been washed. A beautiful rare DeSoto WELL worth restoration!!
Had a 56 2-door ht tiresome I got from my grandma when I turned 16. Lots and lots of room for guys and gals. Had loads of fun with that beast. Can’t believe it’s been 50 years since then. Still miss that tank! Would pass everything on the highway except a gas station!
The headlight area looks a bit odd without a quad setup, appearance wise. Perhaps they were thinking forward to 1958 and the restrictions being lifted?
Neat car.
I wish I had some use for this car and a place to keep it. I was 16 in 1957 and Dad bought a new Desoto this same color, except with a cream color top and side spear. The fact that It had four doors was the only negative to me but at least it had whitewall tires and full wheel covers which was a first for my Dad. It had the poly engine, not the hemi as I wanted, but it would definitely burn rubber as I, as a 16 year old, loved to do. BTW, I think this car was for sale on eBay not too long ago without the hemi engine it now has.
If you haven’t yet, get over to YouTube and check out the ’60 Plymouth welded together from 3 or 4 Dodges and Plymouths. Cold War Motors is the Canuck outfit. It’s a hoot- and the car is turning out magnificently.
Yes, I’ve been following this project from the beginning,Scott and his “agents”have gotten to the point where he’s getting it in paint and it’s looking good,used two ’60 Plymouths and a ’60 Dodge to create it plus much fabrication and metal working skills, can’t wait to see the finished product.
This car looks so original, I cant figure out why the engine was swapped , but I’ll bet it wouldn’t be too hard to bring it back to stock . I can understand the rear exhaust pipes under the bumper; the bumper could get ruined by the chemicals in the burnt gas fumes, and that bumper looks mint. And no wide whites ,please ! This car would have had whitewalls , but not wide ones.
The first engine I ever rebuilt was a 352 Hemi in a 57 DeSoto Adventurer, two four barrels and a torqueflight push button trans. At the time I was 16 and one of the heads weight as much as myself. That car would do 140 and rode as smooth as silk doing it. Easy car to drive with lots of power. But it was big. Still looking for a 57 Adventurer. They only made 100 of them in 57.
Would love to bring her home! She belongs in my garage.
No question it’s a gorgeous car but what sends up red flags in my mind is the “starter” issue. It doesn’t take an mechanical engineer to change out a starter. I changed the starter in my Dad’s 57 when I was 10 years old. It make me suspicious of something else wrong.
It’s a nice car. Looks like my Dads 57 Coronet.
DeSoto used Dodge front bumpers.
This actually could be the Dodge “Poly” 325 V8 dubbed the “semi-hemi”.
DeSoto used the same engine but just used the Poly heads,
It is possibly the previous owner installed the Hemi heads to increase power.
The issue with the starter and cable is questionable as that could be an easy way out of knowing any potential internal engine issues.
Agreed the starter is an easy replacement.
From the description I also considered that this started out as a 325 Poly and was converted to a Hemi. It’s a pretty straight forward change, the bottom end is the same. You will need the 325 hemi heads and valve train, new hemi pistons and 325 hemi intake. Not positive but I think the cam and exhaust manifolds are the same. The 315 and 325 are both raised deck motors but I don’t know what interchanges and I’m too lazy to fetch my Hollander’s manual which is sitting on a shelf just a bit beyond my reach. I could stretch and…..nah…too…much…effort.
I really love the Forward -Look cars. I always have to check out everyone that I come across. I’ve owned a 1957 Dodge D-100 with 315 Poly and push button Torque-Flite for 28 years.
Is this just a 325 Poly with Hemi heads swapped on ? The quoted $8000 spent by the previous owner seems more in line with a full rebuild on a 392. Putting Hemi heads on a Poly without installing matching pistons and other work, such as a cam, will turn a relatively potent little Poly into a dud that can barely get out of its own way. The compression drop would be large. Maybe this is why it isn’t running ?
A 392 will fit in the SWB cars, but it is super tight and may require some mods of the heater box or valve cover/s. I don’t recall ever stuffing one in a Dodge, but my friends and I did more than a couple Plymouths back in the day.
The car has mags and not one side shot. Just the ugly hub caps…sheesh.
The Firesweep is a Dodge in all but the main body section, some trim, and interior. The frame and all suspension/steering is Dodge, as is most of the nose clip. Engines and drivetrain was all Dodge spec. The sedans only got DeSoto outer quarter metal, the rest was Dodge too.
A common misconception about this body design is that it was Chrysler. It was not. DeSoto stylists forwarded their ideas to head of styling and they were chosen over those submitted by the Chrysler team. Chrysler stylists then set about trimming the body to make them look “Chrysler”.
ALL finned cars fell grossly out of style in the early 60’s and many were junked just for that reason. I have a 1958 Plymouth in my garage, parked in 1963 with 13K on the clock. Why ? It had a broken windshield and the owner chose to buy a new, non-finned car, rather than put a new windshield in that “ugly finned car” !
The rust issue was a bad one, and the one actual downfall of these cars. Rushed into production, simple things like panel fitment and sealing caused problems early on in salt states. It wasn’t so bad out west, but leaking window channels making wet carpet will rust out floors and trunk pans even in the desert.
My DeSoto (58) began life in NY and had the quarters replaced the first time in 1960 ! The car was rusty again when it was parked in 1968.
1957 was the end of the line for the old engines, and the modern B-block, although “corporate” was exclusively all DeSoto got in 1958, whereas the other divisions kept their old engines for different applications. In 1958 senior DeSotos got the 361, while the Firesweep got a 350. 1959 saw the introduction of the 383 B-block that would become the mainstay across all divisions except Imperial over the next decade
Mopar lost sight of their tiered marketing strategy, overlapping price ranges and offering too many models, and DeSoto was the first to succumb to beancounter pruning. As a Forward Look era DeSoto fan since before I could drive, I was always happy that the marque got to die respectfully, with their fins on. There never was a DeSoto version of the Valiant. At least not in the U.S.
1957 – The year the auto makers thought they could go to four headlights. Room for them here, but they had to wait for the various states to change the laws to permit them!
Unlike the true DeSoto-built DeSotos – Adventurer, Fireflite, and Firedome, the Firesweep kept the single headlight through the model year, and got the quads for 58.
how can i get in touch to maybe purchase the 57 desoto firesweep two door that need some work but he didnt have any buyers yet so that leaves me a chance and the car is a two tone green i think