DeSoto Fireflite
DeSoto Fireflite | |
---|---|
FR layout | |
Related | Chrysler Newport Chrysler 300 DeSoto Firedome 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) [1][2] |
Length | 217.9 in (5,535 mm) (1955)[2] 220.9 in (5,611 mm) (1956) 218 in (5,537 mm) (1957)[2] 222.1 in (5,641 mm)(1959) |
Width | 77 in (1,956 mm) (1955) 78.2 in (1,986 mm) (1957)[2] |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | DeSoto Series S-10 |
The DeSoto Fireflite is a
Design
The Fireflite was introduced in 1955 as
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).
Sales
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 Fireflite models at the end of the 1960 model year, and the DeSoto brand effective in November 1960.
Indianapolis 500 pace car
In 1956 a gold and white Fireflite
Modifications and specifications
The 1956 Fireflite had a longer stroke, 3.80 inches, giving a 330
The Fireflite's appearance for 1957 was redesigned
A four-headlight system was optional for both the Fireflite and DeSoto Firedome models in 1957.[6] The DeSoto Firesweep polyhead V8s were introduced with a bore and stroke of 3.6875 in (94 mm) X 3.800 in (97 mm). for 325 cid. The two barrel V8 was rated at 240 hp (179 kW) while the four barrel version produced 260 hp (194 kW).
The 330 cid
In 1957 the Fireflite was superseded by the Adventurer as the premium DeSoto model. Nevertheless, Fireflites continued to offer high-grade appointments in a full line of body styles. Also in 1957, a station wagon was added to the Fireflite's lineup. Back-up lights became standard.[2]
In 1958, a new engine was added.[2]
For 1959, the car was restyled. The electric clock became standard.[2] A hand brake light was optional.[7]
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1955 De Soto Fireflite Sportsman
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1956 DeSoto Fireflite Four-door Sportsman
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1957 DeSoto Fireflite 4-Door Sportsman
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1958 DeSoto Fireflite 2 Door Sportsman
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1959 DeSoto Fireflite 4-Door Sedan
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1959 DeSoto Fireflite interior
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1960 DeSoto Fireflite 4-Door Sedan
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1957 Desoto Fireflite
References
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- ^ "Directory Index: DeSoto/1955_DeSoto/1955_DeSoto_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-05-31.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7864-3229-5.
- ^ a b 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- Life Magazine, May 28, 1956, pg. 14.
- ^ a b Ultimate American V8 Engine Databook, 1949 - 1974, Peter C. Sessler, MotorBooks International, 1999, pg. 147.
- ^ Kiplinger's Personal Finance, January 1957, pg. 21.
- ^ "Directory Index: DeSoto/1959_DeSoto/1959_DeSoto_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-05-31.