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Testing the waters for my 1955 DeSoto Fireflite. 4 door luxury sedan. It's way cool, a pretty good shape survivor car with 2 tone paint scheme, hemi V8 291 hemi engine, loaded with features (for 1955) including lever operated automatic transmission. You see quite a few mid-50s Fords & Chevys, but not so many DeSotos (dare to be different!).
Car is a lifelong CA car, looks to have hardly any rust. Body in great condition -- no noticeable dents, only a few small areas of paint bubbling indicating minor rust. The cool 2-tone paint has a nice patina. Wide whitewall tires. All glass good. Stainless and chrome trim mostly good, although the "cow catcher" grille guard has rust/ pitting. Dash in good condition. The seat covers look to not be original, but intact. Headliner intact.
Car starts up, engine seems to run fine, within last year the car has been lot driven (non-op tags so haven't been out on the public roads). After purchasing the car several years ago, I had the following work done: wheel cylinders replaced, entire wiring harness and other electrical parts replaced, brake work done. Newer battery. Is 6v system.
History: The 1955 model year was a watershed for DeSoto, as the company unveiled the Virgil Exner-penned "Forward Look" design. The Fireflite was introduced in 1955 as De Soto's flagship model. It was wider and longer than previous DeSoto models and it came equipped with a V8 engine producing 255 hp (190 kW) and PowerFlite automatic transmission. The transmission is operated by a Flite-Control lever located on the dashboard. For more info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeSoto_Fireflite
I am not desperate to sell, but have too many projects/ busy life and am willing to let this one go at the right price. Asking $8,000. Have CA title in my name.
Valuations: $9,100 (per Hagerty, for Good condition); $8,600 per NADA guides (Avg. Retail).
I might trade, some vehicles of interest: VW Thing Corvair van/wagon pre-1965 convertible mid 50s Nash Chevy Apache truck (pre 1960) International Scout (pre 1971) older style Bronco Rancheros (1957, 1967) possibly others that pique my interest. Not looking to trade up.
Please don't contact me offering services to sell the vehicle, or offering anything illegal or shady. Call, email, or texts are fine.
Thanks for checking out this awesome DeSoto!
- do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers