DeSoto Fireflite

DeSoto Fireflite
1959 DeSoto Fireflite 4-Door Sportsman
Overview
Manufacturer	DeSoto (Chrysler)
Model years	1955-1960
Assembly	Los Angeles (Maywood) Assembly
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door hardtop 2-door convertible 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Related	Chrysler Newport Chrysler 300 DeSoto Adventurer Dodge Coronet
Powertrain
Engine	325 cu in (5.3 L) V8 330 cu in (5.4 L) V8 341 cu in (5.6 L) V8
Dimensions
Wheelbase	126 in (3,200 mm)
Length	217.9 in (5,535 mm) (1955) 220.9 in (5,611 mm) (1956) 218 in (5,537 mm) (1957) 222.1 in (5,641 mm)(1959)
Width	77 in (1,956 mm) (1955) 78.2 in (1,986 mm) (1957)
Chronology
Predecessor	DeSoto Custom

The DeSoto Fireflite is an automobile which was produced by DeSoto in the United States from 1955 to 1960.

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 200 hp when equipped with the 4 barrel carburetor (190 kW) and PowerFlite automatic transmission. The transmission was operated by a Flite-Control lever located on the dashboard. The car weighed 4,070 lb (1850 kg) and cost US$3,544. AM radio was a $110 option.

The 1956 model car was best known for its long, tapering tail fins, often accentuated by a two-tone exterior finish. The interior offered bench seating that could accommodate six passengers. The Fireflite had a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 11 seconds and a top speed of 110 mph (175 km/h).

The Fireflite’s bold design increased sales for DeSoto. In 1955, DeSotos sold well with over 114,765 examples produced, making 1955 the best year for the company since 1946. By 1956, DeSoto placed eleventh in U.S. production with an annual production of 110,418 cars. The success was short-lived, however, and Chrysler Corporation discontinued the DeSoto brand effective in November 1960.

In 1956 a gold and white Fireflite convertible was the Official Pace Car for the 1956 Indianapolis 500. The Fireflite convertibles were rare, with only 186 produced. Indianapolis 500 President Tony Hulman said the DeSoto was chosen unanimously by the track committee because it delivered outstanding performance and had superb handling characteristics.

The 1956 Fireflite had a longer stroke, 3.80 inches, giving a 330 cubic inch displacement. Compression ratio increased to 8.5:1 and power increased to 230 hp (172 kW). It made up 27.39% of DeSoto's sales in 1956. Power seats were $70, while power brakes $40.

The Fireflite’s appearance for 1957 was redesigned with the help of Chrysler Corporation's head stylist, Virgil Exner. The design was bold and radical with large tail fins, dual oval exhaust and triple-lens taillights. The tail fins were not only aesthetic, but helped to stabilize the car at high speeds.