1955 DeSoto Fireflite

This 1955 DeSoto Fireflite is one of 775 convertibles produced for the model year, and it was delivered new to Leo Adler, Inc. of Detroit, Michigan. The car is finished in two-tone blue and white over matching upholstery, and power comes from a 291ci Hemi V8 paired with a two-speed automatic transmission. The car was purchased out of Florida by the seller in 2022, and subsequent service has involved installing an Edelbrock carburetor and replacing the power-operated white convertible top as well as the six-volt wiring harness, the water pump, the driveshaft, the fuel tank, exhaust components, the tires, and the battery. Additional equipment includes power-assisted drum brakes, power steering, chrome 15″ wire wheels, whitewall tires, and lap belts. This DeSoto is now offered with manufacturer’s literature, 1955 sales documents, spare parts, service records, and a clean New Mexico title in the seller’s name. The car is finished in two-tone blue and white. Replacement chrome bumpers were reportedly installed in 2018, and the power-operated white soft top was replaced in 2023. Additional equipment includes a hood ornament, a retractable antenna, dual sideview mirrors, V8 quarter-panel badges, and dual tailpipes. A dealer badge from Frank Corrington of Jacksonville, Illinois, is affixed to the trunk lid. The reverse lights and the trunk lamp do not work. Chrome-finished 15″ wire wheels were installed in 2018, and they are mounted with 225/75 Auburn whitewall radial tires that were fitted in 2023. A steel spare wheel with a bias-ply whitewall tire is stowed in the trunk. The Fireflite rides on a 126″ wheelbase and features power-assisted steering as well as a coil-sprung independent front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs. Braking is provided by power-assisted 12″ drums at all four corners. Replacement wheel bearings, brake cylinders, shoes, and hoses were installed in 2018, and the power-steering system was also overhauled at that time. The cabin features front and rear bench seats trimmed in white vinyl with blue pleated inserts along with matching door panels. Blue carpeting lines the floors, and additional equipment includes a heater, a locking glovebox, floor-mounted cupholders, and front and rear lap belts. The AM radio, the clock, and the passenger-side power front-seat motor do not work. The two-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and frames a 120-mph speedometer, an ammeter, and gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. A replacement speedometer cable was installed in 2023. The five-digit odometer shows 50k miles, approximately 4k of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown. The 291ci Hemi V8 was factory rated at 200 horsepower, and an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor with a manual choke was installed in 2023. Replacement ignition components and oil-pan and valve-cover gaskets were installed in 2018, while additional service in 2023 included fitting a replacement water pump, a wiring harness sourced from Rhode Island Wiring Service, and a new six-volt battery. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Powerflite two-speed automatic transmission managed by a dash-mounted shift lever. Replacement mufflers, exhaust pipes, and hangers were installed in 2023 along with a replacement driveshaft, fuel tank, and fuel pump. Manufacturer’s literature, 1955 sales documents, a shop manual, and service records will accompany the vehicle along with a removed Carter WCFB carburetor, an oil-bath filter, and brake parts, as pictured in the gallery below.