If you have ever desired to have an uncommon, and uniquely designed car, then the Desoto Firedome may be for you. The interestingly styled front bumper with the large fins make for a cool and unique car that there aren’t many left of, especially in original condition. Although this is a driver, this Desoto has some needs that should be attended to in its future. This oddly colored auto is offered for $7,800. Check it out here on craiglist out of Bel Air, Maryland.
Beneath the hood is a big 383 cubic inch V8 backed by a push button automatic transmission. The engine is a runner, and overall the engine bay looks reasonable. There is some failing paint but there is little to no surface rust in the bay. Although currently running, the seller installed a 5 gallon tank in the trunk as the original tank needs to be cleaned. Otherwise mechanically, this Desoto is ready to roll.
The lovely dark and light green interior appears inviting and comfortable as it has aged nicely. There is a cover over the front bench, so there may be some condition issue. The dash, steering wheel, and door panels, look excellent. The light colored fabric in the panels show wonderfully with no dirt or staining.
The back seat is beautiful, as is the remainder of the interior. The weather stripping for the door is a bit tired and frayed but I suppose that old weather stripping doesn’t last forever.
Although pretty and wearing original paint, there are a few rust issues. The lower portion of the quarters have some rust, and the rockers have rust but only near the rear wheel well. The trunk floor is a bit crispy on both sides near the tire spray area, and there is some minor surface rust in a few places. Although there are some rust concerns, this Desoto overall is solid, and would be worthy of being repaired. Despite the rust concerns, the paint is still shiny, but the driver front fender is not original to this car. Overall this is a nice original car that could use some attention, or it could certainly be maintained in its current condition with a garage, and fair weather cruising. Would you bring home this uniquely styled original?
I thought the firedomes were hemi engined cars?????? I’ll stand corrected.
Yeah, but………the ’58 392 was the last iteration of the Gen 1 Hemi. The 2nd Gen (426) didn’t come out until late ’64. So the ’59 got a big-block wedge.
There was only one more full year of Desoto after this car, plus a few ’61s before they pulled the plug. It’s a beast, but they were surprisingly capable for such big cars. I hope someone saves this.
57 was the last year for Desoto hemi’s. From 58 on, only wedge head B engines.
The 57 and 58 392 Hemi was only available in the Chrysler 300 (C & D), the New Yorker, and all Imperials. Lesser Mopar brands had variations of these first generation Hemis but not the 392 cid.
Gorgeous dar! I love the green interior and exterior…
Wow!! Not the best looking of the forward look cars, but the condition makes this worth saving.
Sweet……..very period appropriate green………lots of work to be done but looks manageable though I think the rust needs to be dealt with chop chop.and of course you’ll lose a lot of the originality…..but has to be done.
Even with four doors its a beaut. Wrong coast luckily!
I have a soft spot for late 50s early 60s mopars with the push button transmissions and dash mounted mirrors. Not the most attractive, yet unique.
Interesting color. Baby sh*t green.
Wow, this is stirring up some ghosts for me. The old man had a car just like this. It’s the 1st car I can remember riding in. I was probably 4 or 5. I remember the speedometer changed colors, although, dad was a conservative driver, and rarely got it to change “red” ( 65 and up, I think) Him and his business partner bought the same cars for years, and Eddie’s cars always were a bit flashier than the old mans. Eddie’s DeSoto had a console ( I think) and those “swing out” front seats. Look at the tiny brake master to stop this beast. It was a big car, and also remember laying on the rear package tray, the old man would hit the brakes, I’d go flying. I seem to remember learning some new swear words in winter, when the push button shift stuck, and the rear view mirror was worthless, except for checking out the rear passengers. Just a super find. Going to be a tank to drive around,( and feed) but guaranteed, you’ll have the only one.
Howard I thought that when you were a kid the cars all had wooden wheels and were pulled by horses…
just kidding you :)
I’m so old, I remember when the Dead Sea was still sick,,,boom, tis,,,
What a beauty! !!
I resemble that remark! While I like these forward look Mopar’s, I think this seller is quite ambitious with the pricing. This price make the overpriced Camaro seem like a bargain. I’d put this @ $3500 max. and you might still be upside down when your done.
My friends Dad had a ’59 Dasota (his pronunciation) that was the very same color as this one, four door too but I remember it looking a bit different ? I remember it as a very smooth riding car.
HA! I’ve heard them called that too.
Groucho sent me to see the new DeSoto….
Hi P, I was curious about that. Apparently, 1958 was the last DeSoto Groucho pitched, even though, the show, “You bet your life” and later, “The Groucho Show” ran until 1961. He still mentioned DeSoto’s but no doubt, he helped sell a lot of DeSoto’s. It was a very popular show, the car, not so much.
Got to love thoses Mopar fins.Bruce.
Uncommon, unique, ungainly and like the blind date someone set you up with in college, she’s got a great personality.
About a year ago while I driving North on Highway 99 in Fresno, Ca I saw a 1957 Chrysler New Yorker that was super clean taking its last ride on a tow truck to the local Pick And Pull. Wish I could have rescued that car. Even though it was a four door sedan and not a more desirable 2-doorhardtop, it was still a beautiful car.