People often say you get what you pay for. Therefore, any running, roadworthy vehicle from Chrysler’s “Forward Look” era with a four-figure asking price will inevitably need work. That is the case with this 1960 DeSoto Fireflite, although its issues aren’t insurmountable. It looks nice, and its rust appears relatively minor. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gary for spotting this gentle giant listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with an asking price of $8,500.
Introduced in 1955, the Fireflite evolved rapidly as DeSoto embraced the Virgil Exner “Forward Look” design philosophy. The 1960 model year brought slightly more refined styling, but the car still sported huge fins and a low deck. This Fireflite is a slight mystery, because the Green Metallic paint gracing its panels doesn’t appear on that year’s color chart. That may mean the car was a Special Order, or that someone changed the color. The paint looks slightly patchy in the listing images, though that could also be a photographic illusion. The seller confirms the DeSoto spent much of its life in Arizona, which may help to explain why the exterior is free from rust. However, a closer look reveals an amateur floor patch and a couple of underside rust spots that need attention. The car is structurally sound, and with sparkling trim and clear tinted glass, this DeSoto looks quite promising.
All Chrysler marques from this era earned a reputation for motors that delivered very respectable performance. This Fireflite is no exception, with its 361ci V8 pumping out 295hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque. Combine those figures with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power brakes, and the Fireflite should provide a relaxed driving experience. This classic comes with plenty of good news, and a slice of bad news. The car runs and drives well, as demonstrated in this YouTube video. The 361 springs to life with a turn of the key, but the transmission won’t select reverse. My research suggests this has been the case for a while, and budgeting for a rebuild would be wise. It recently received a new fuel tank, fuel pump, radiator hoses, a power steering return hose, and new brake fluid.
This DeSotos interior cuts the mustard for those seeking a driver-grade classic. The Tri-Tone upholstered surfaces show no significant wear or distress, and the dash and pad are excellent. The bright and plated trim sparkles nicely, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. Overall, the impression is positive, and with a factory clock and pushbutton radio, life inside this classic would feel pretty comfortable.
While researching the paint shade for this 1960 DeSoto Fireflite, I stumbled upon what I believe was a previous listing for this car. The location is correct, and most of the minor details match. If it is the same vehicle, it was listed in 2023 for $9,800. If that is roughly what the seller paid for this DeSoto, they are losing money on a car that hasn’t deteriorated markedly in three years. Recent sales results suggest that values are climbing, but is that enough motivation for you to consider pursuing this Fireflite?
Neat car. I wonder about the tranny and reverse problem, if it’s a linkage problem with the push button shifter it has. I’d look that over really good. I hope it finds a good home, where it gets a good cleaning, and enjoyed for what it is.
Frame rot and a transmission without reverse means he’ll likely be waiting quite a while for someone willing to pay $8,500 or close to come a long. This segment and era of the market are experiencing a decline in prices, a project like this shift all of the downside risk onto the next owner.
Steve R
The transmission not going into reverse may be a cable adjustment problem. My 65 Belvedere still uses the cable shift 727 TorqueFlite. I haven’t adjusted it in 20+ years, but from what I remember there are two cables. One cable controls drive, neutral, and reverse. The second cable puts it in park.
If the first cable is out of adjustment and isn’t going far enough, it won’t go into reverse but park will still engage because that’s a separate cable. The local Mopar expert told me that the old guy he recommended to rebuild mine in 2002 was the last transmission man in NW PA who knew cable shift TorqueFlites. I had him go through mine even though it didn’t need it, just because there may be nobody else around here these days.
I’m certainly no expert, and I’m not saying the cable adjustment is the problem, but if you’re interested in the car it’s worth looking at before assuming the transmission has a problem. Generally 727 TorqueFlites are really hard to hurt and I’m guessing that nobody was drag racing a 60 DeSoto.
The underside rot looks concerning. If the floors look that bad; what is hiding under the paint?
The rust underneath may or may not be a serious problem. The article says that it was in Arizona for years and now it’s in Virginia. The rust that’s under it shouldn’t be road salt if that’s true. But you’re buying a car, not a story.
My experience is 65 “B Bodies” so I’m assuming that this one is similar. There are two weak areas that will rot the front floors in an early/mid 60’s Mopar. I know this from experience. The first is an O-ring in the heater box. The heater box in my car was built by Bendix. It has the heater core and fan in a box under the dash that Chrysler purchased.
If (when) the O-ring inside the box fails, antifreeze leaks slowly onto the front floor pans and eventually rusts it out. Usually it isn’t noticed until it’s a problem.
The other failure point is the windshield wiper seals. The wiper mechanism is under the dash and there is a seal in the cowl area that keeps water from leaking into the front floor pans. The factory seals were marginal at best, usually lasting a few years. That’s another leak that most people don’t notice. The aftermarket seals last forever, but my fingers still hurt from installing them 20+ years ago.
I’m guessing, so don’t take my word that either of those are the problem. But I’ve seen it on my car so this one may be “relatively” rust free. But you need to look under it before spending money on it.
Reminds me of my 66’Newport.Faded oxidized mist green with a bright white top.Looks straight and clean under the hood.I like the design and unique tail lights.Hate to try and find another set.Cool 4dr DeSoto,too bad it didn’t come with AC
Having owned 1 many years ago it’s good to see the chrome on the tail lights are there. they are pretty much impossible to find and few cars sill have them on.
I had 1959 Dodge Sierra wagon. It’s was a beautiful car. Black paint and bright chrome. The 361 cu. in. engine provided plenty of power through the Torqueflight transmission. No problems with the push-buttons.
Here’s a reference video for correct seat upholstery and arm rests:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U43UhbHOBGQ
Real cars require real men to drive and maintain. Beautiful example of automative design and performance in a full size family sedan. I love it!
I remember my grandfather as well as myself always owning Cadillacs but one time he decided to buy a De Soto. It was black with a white top. I believe it was in the 50s. It sat in the yard for five years, not running. He never bothered to work on it and he did all his own work as I do.
I used to pretend to drive it a lot, but I could never understand why his Cadillacs had one brake pedal and this De Soto had two, obviously it was a clutch!
One day when I was seven, I found an old can of red paint and decided to paint the doors. He was not very happy!
Except for six more years till he junked it.