That thing got a Hemi? You bet, it also has a tri-color finish denoting this 1955 Desoto Fireflite as a rare Coronado model – one of 500 produced to be exact. There’s no mistaking the ’50s vibe with its majority aqua finish and, all-in-all, this fallen flag still looks sharp almost 70 years after rolling off of the assembly line. Best of all, the seller has done quite a bit of upkeep over the last year. Calling McLean, Virginia home, this fine old product of Chrysler Corporation is available, here on craigslist for $8,000.
Desoto (1928-1961) was a ChryCo-developed brand and seemed to move around in the hierarchy, sometimes between Chrysler and Dodge and sometimes between Dodge and Plymouth. The Coronado was based on the Fireflite model which shared company along with the Firedome. The Fireflite was offered in two-door hardtop and convertible body styles as well as a four-door sedan such as our subject car – total Fireflite production reached about 37K copies in ’55. The seller tells us that the tri-color exterior is original and it still shows quite well. There may be a small amount of rust starting in the lower driver’s side fender leg and quarter, can’t tell for certain, but it looks to be minor. Fortunately, all of the extensive stainless trim and plated pot metal are still in place.
The Hemi in question is a 200-gross HP 276 CI V8 engine working via a Powerflite two-speed automatic transmission. The seller has replaced a lot of parts and I suggest that you peruse the listing to get the complete lowdown. The seller adds, “The engine runs perfectly and starts right up! It drives perfectly and the transmission shifts perfectly with no up-shift runaway!“. He also suggests that the true mileage is about 175K miles.
The cheery ’50s exterior is mirrored on the interior where we find upholstery of leather and cloth. The leather portion reveals typical creases but that’s all that really stands out. The seller compliments the headliner but mentions that the door panels are going to need some help. Also noted is a weak-performing original radio and an inoperative clock (no surprise there).
The closest that I ever got to a Desoto was a grandfather who swore by them (not at them!). He wanted to buy a new one in ’62 but sadly learned of their demise by my uncle who talked him into buying a Plymouth Savoy – the last car that he owned. Though the current owner hasn’t been in possession of this Fireflite for long, he has clearly been interested in maintaining and improving it – always a positive sign. If you have ever considered buying an example from a former American auto producer, this would be a notable one to consider, wouldn’t you agree?
DeSotos were a handsome car, some of Virgil Exner’s finest designs. Just an FYI, if you wanted a DeSoto that was “between” a Dodge and a Plymouth, you ordered the cheaper Firedome. If you wanted one between Dodge and Chrysler, you selected a Fireflite. Fireflites had uplevel options and the most powerful engines.
A really good straightforward car. Reasonably priced with just a few items which need to be addressed. This is what a good classic car should be. Not the overpriced rust buckets we are seeing pop up more often.
For me, the 55 DeSoto was the best of Chrysler Corp body styling. But I believe placement of DeSoto was only in question in its first years. WP Chrysler created DeSoto when the Dodge Brothers refused to sell. After introducing DeSoto, Dodge sold, giving Chrysler both. Until 55, Firedome was top of the line when Fireflite was introduced. For 57, Firesweep was introduced as the base model. IT combined front end of Dodge with rest off DeSoto body.
🎵It’s Delightful! 🎶It’s Delovely! 🎶IT’S DeSoto! 🎵. Learned to drive on a55 Black DeSoto Firedome and loved them through final (3200) 1961s. This Coronado represents the pinnacle of 50s tri tone color combos, as well as the beginning of Exners Million Dollar Look, followed by his Forward Look fabulous finned fantasies for Chrysler. The dash is IMO one of the best. And the one year only dash mounted gear selected is note worthy. Also last year for famous tooth grille. 56 would see the introduction of DeSotos answer to Chrysler 300 as the top of the line. This is truly a Bon Marche! So hurry on down to this DeSoto dealer and tell him Groucho sent you! I can feel my check book twitching.
The 56 ADVENTURER (DeSoto version of Chrysler 300) first built in low production was the Pace Car for Indy 500 and moved to the top of the line until 1960. Final 61s had no model names, listed as simply DeSoto. Like EDSEL the previous year, 61 DeSoto was dropped only a short time after introduction.
The engine displacement for 1955 was 291, not 276.
I am indeed smitten. In the 1990’s I owned a DeSoto Coronado. Mine had the white color on the roof and the black on the rear fenders. It was a nice vehicle to drive. Plenty of power to keep up with modern traffic. Power steering was on the numb side. I am so tempted to go look at this. Not all that far from me either. My dilemma is that if I were to buy this something else would have to go. Decisions decisions,,,,,
If you go, be sure to tell them Groucho sent you! 😉
I remember re runs with Groucho marks pushing these. For threes company fans, This was Stanley Ropers car, although his was an exhaust stained pink!
Of course your opinion matters, Blake! You just said the secret word, the duck came down, and here’s your $50! Stanley Roper may just knock on your door! 😮. But remember 🎵 It’s Delightful 🎶It’s Delovely 🎵It’s DESOTO 🎵! Right, Fennemen?