1956 DeSoto Fireflite Convertible

The 1950s marked a new era for American-made automobiles. DeSoto was established in 1928 as a companion marque to Chrysler, and benefiting from the new styling ushered in by Virgil Exner, the 'Forward Look' design was on clear display in the mid-1950s as the Fireflite became a legend. In 1956, DeSoto outsold the 'senior' Chrysler line for the first time in its history.

A pleasant example today, thanks to a body-off-the-frame restoration, this 1956 DeSoto Fireflite Convertible was refinished in its original factory colors of Crimson Red and white, with a charming white power convertible top. This rare, well-optioned car includes power steering, power brakes, power windows, a power front seat, and real Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels. The interior has a matching two-tone finish and comes with an AM radio and a rare Hi-Fi Record Player slotted under the dash that can play records when the car is parked.

Under the hood is a mean 330 cid Hemi V-8 engine producing 255 horsepower, topped by a famous gold dual-quad 'Batwing' air cleaner. 1 of only 1,385 produced.