When Chrysler redesigned their cars in 1957, DeSoto was also treated to Virgil Exner’s trendsetting “Forward Look” styling. DeSoto used that opportunity to introduce the Firesweep as the gateway product. This Firesweep is the rare “Shopper” wagon, meaning it has/had seating for six passengers. This roller resides in the desert (Tijeras, New Mexico) and has some rust, but perhaps not enough to forestall a restoration. It’s available here on craigslist for $3,400.
So how rare is the Shopper? DeSoto built about 126,500 cars in 1957, not a bad showing. 41,000 of them were Firesweeps with just 3,500 wagons overall (2,270 Shoppers and the rest were nine-passenger Explorers). 1957 DeSoto’s are easier to spot than the 1958s because the former had single headlights for most of the model run (a mid-year DOT approval brought dual peepers with similar grillwork and bumpers).
The seller’s ‘Soto once had a 341 cubic inch V8 and a push-button automatic transmission, but both were liberated some time ago. The odometer reads 70,000 miles, but does it matter much at this stage? As the photos reveal, this wagon has some of the corrosion these Chrysler products became infamous for, but is it terminal? The tailgate glass is missing, so will replacing it be a problem?
We’re told that the seller has set the asking price for this wagon based on a lack of a valid title. If the seller should find the title, you can expect an increase in the ante. Would you take a shot at restoring this seldom-seen form of vintage transportation? Another Barn Finds tip from “Zappenduster”.
I love it. DeSoto had it’s best sales year in `57, and this is a relatively rare catch! While you’ll need deeper pockets for another engine, looks like the interior will need a complete gut as well.
These DeSotos showed their best in two-tone, and I would definitely pick a color comb to make this rare wagon stand out! Lower quarters aren’t as bad as I would have expected. Perhaps the floors are fairly OK too. GLWTA!
As most Barn Finders know, I fell in love learning to drive on a55 Black DeSoto Firedome and have been faithful following DeSoto through the final 61s. For the record, Firesweep used a shorter front end party Dodge. IMO DeSoto wagons seem awkward in appearance. THIS Firesweep unfortunately looks like Groucho used his cigar on the interior before its days as a SHOPPER were over. I won’t Dodge the issue. For me it’s a DeNoNo! But considering it has survived the shame of DeSotos lost identity and years of neglect, hopefully someone will resurrect it like a PHOENIX! Oops! That was a DODGE and later a Pontiac. Finding parts could be extremely difficult, but provide a challenge for an ADVENTURER. 😉
I didn’t know that.
@ Godzilla , I have a reputation for knowing where the bodies are buried 🤪 and Being The Complete Compendium of Useless Information. Always happy to add an insight!
What about the Power Wagon in the background?
Had a 1959 firepower sedan. Had to sell it when my second son was born . God I miss that car.
The seller should pay someone 3400 to take this pile of rust away
A Firesweep should have come with a 325CI poly V-8 (shared with Dodge) and not a 341. The 341 was a hemi that came with the Firedome series.
A grand with no title would be fair considering deep pockets will be needed.
Appears to be the same one sold February 15th at Route 66 Auction in Albuquerque New Mexico for $550.
https://rt66auctions.hibid.com/lot/226561151/1957-desoto-shopper-firesweep-wagon?ref=catalog
A price adjustment and a title, and it would be my new DeSoto/Camino.