One year before all of Chrysler went “fins to the moon” in 1957, some ’56 models showed a glimpse of the future, including the 1956 Plymouth Fury and this 1956 DeSoto Firedome. Designer Virgil “Ex” Exner’s “Forward Look” ’57s… more»
Desoto
Mar 25, 2025 • For Sale • 11 Comments
Rare Roller: 1957 DeSoto Firesweep “Shopper”
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… more»
Mar 18, 2025 • Auctions • 11 Comments
No Reserve BF Auction: 1948 DeSoto Custom Club Coupe
I’m always ready to tip my proverbial cap to anyone who is willing to put in some extra effort to save a car or find it a better situation. We’ve all bemoaned the salvage yards that clear out their… more»
Mar 12, 2025 • For Sale • 21 Comments
1 of 700: 1958 DeSoto Firesweep Convertible
For years and years, there were four core brands at Chrysler: Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, and DeSoto. However, by 1958 it was becoming apparent that Chrysler had too many players. While there was an industry contraction of about 20%, DeSoto… more»
Feb 16, 2025 • For Sale • 23 Comments
Rare Older Restoration: 1958 DeSoto Firesweep
The 1958 model year was a tough one for U.S. automobile manufacturers. Due to an economic recession, everyone’s sales were down except for the few that offered compact cars. DeSoto was especially hit hard as Chrysler was trying to… more»
Feb 9, 2025 • For Sale • 3 Comments
Long-Term Owner: 1959 DeSoto Fireflite
While some motoring brands disappeared due to financial collapse, others found themselves in the dusty pages of history books as their parent companies retired marques to rationalize their offerings. DeSoto falls into the second category, with the final cars… more»
Jan 7, 2025 • Auctions • 4 Comments
BF Auction: 1949 DeSoto Sedan
If I didn’t become so attached to cars (a real flaw for someone who likes so many of them), I’d love to buy at least one car a year that needs some help, get it back on the road,… more»
Dec 20, 2024 • For Sale • 29 Comments
Last Day of Production: 1961 DeSoto
Two U.S. automobile brands came to the end of the line in 1960-61. One was the Edsel, Ford’s biggest mistake that shut down early into its third year. The other was DeSoto which had been around since 1928, but… more»
Nov 12, 2024 • For Sale • 28 Comments
Built Like a Bridge: 1934 DeSoto Airflow
The Airflow was an automobile ahead of its time. Built under both Chrysler and DeSoto brands in the mid-1930s, the Airflow’s design was driven by aerodynamics, so the body was sleeker in appearance than most of its contemporaries. This… more»
Oct 22, 2024 • For Sale • 15 Comments
Same Family Since 1977: 1960 DeSoto Adventurer
DeSoto had been a Chrysler Corp. brand since the 1920s. But by the 1950s, it was getting to be too much like a Chrysler for buyers to tell the difference. So, in late 1960, almost a year to the… more»
Oct 8, 2024 • For Sale • 33 Comments
1 of 911! 1961 DeSoto 2-Door Hardtop
I’ve been attending car shows for fifty years and I’ve yet to see a 1961 DeSoto up close and personal. Have you? Only 3,034 were made (911 2-Door Hardtops, 2,123 4-Door Hardtops) before the Chrysler Corporation pulled the plug… more»
Sep 26, 2024 • For Sale • 16 Comments
Two Owner Barn Find: 1939 DeSoto DeLuxe
The interesting thing I find about cars from the era that produced this 1939 DeSoto was the various body styles that were available. Our subject car, discovered by T.J. is a two-door touring sedan but others were available and… more»
Sep 1, 2024 • For Sale • 23 Comments
A Warehouse Full Of Classic Cars And Parts!
Barn Finds reader T.J. recently spotted this warehouse chock full of cars and parts for sale in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and we’d like to thank him right off the bat for bringing this large collection to our attention! Not only… more»
Aug 2, 2024 • For Sale • 8 Comments
Dad’s Pair: Two 1955 Hemi DeSotos
The seller’s father purchased two 1955 DeSotos to restore, but now they are being sold. One of the projects, a two-door Fireflite Sportsman Firedome Special Coupe, has been started, while the Firedome sedan remains intact. Could these be the… more»
Jul 11, 2024 • For Sale • 35 Comments
One-Owner Barn Find! 1951 DeSoto Custom
American car makers began slicing and dicing the market into socio-economic niches back in the 1920s. Over at Chrysler, Walter P. was late to the trend, as Ford and Chevrolet already had low-, middle- and high-end offerings. The brand-new… more»
Jul 5, 2024 • For Sale • 18 Comments
73k Original Miles: 1957 DeSoto Firedome Sedan
Chrysler may never have climbed the dizzying heights to become America’s Number One vehicle manufacturer, but its contribution can’t be understated. The 1980s K-Car range changed the automotive landscape, pushing platform sharing and badge engineering to a new level…. more»
