1959 De Soto Firesweep

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DeSoto added the Firedome with its 276-cid Hemi engine in 1952. However, in the following year it dropped the former Deluxe and Custom names. It named its six-cylinder cars the Powermaster and the V8 cars remained the Firedome. The 1957 had a two design variations: the smaller Firesweep body placed (on the Dodge 122in wheelbase) with Dodge front fenders. And the bigger Firedome and Fireflite. So the 1959 De Soto Firesweep was a lower-priced entry car. It combined a Dodge shell and chassis with a DeSoto bumper and grill.

1959 De Soto Firesweep
1959 De Soto Firesweep

History

The DeSoto (written also 'De Soto') was an American automobile. The DeSoto Division of the Chrysler Corporation manufactured and marketed it. They were in business from 1928 to 1961. The DeSoto logo featured an image of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. - As 1959 approached, the DeSoto Automobile Company was nearing its demise. Rumors of Chrysler that it may be phasing out De Soto were becoming increasingly louder. The De Soto name was dropped November 1960. They had sold over two million cars since 1928.

While the 1959 De Soto Firesweep featured De Soto's signature tail fins, front clip was based on the Dodge Coronet. The most significant feature was the headlight design. It was housed under heavily chromed lids typical of Dodge. Firesweep grilles were similar to those on other contemporary De Soto models.

1959 Manufacturing plate
1959 Manufacturing plate

The 1959 De Soto Firesweep could seat six passengers. Depending on the body style, Firesweeps weighed between 3,660 and 3,980 lbs. Chrysler offered Firesweeps in one and two-tone exterior finishes. Features included power steering, power brakes, push-button radio and a dashboard clock.

At the Auction
Note: Auction has ended!

This car has:

  • 361 cid Big Block V-8
  • Power Steering
  • Original Dashboard & Gauges
  • Push-button Gear Selector
  • Many Optional Extras
  • 48,251 Original Miles

A Firesweep could seat six passengers. It was available as a four-door sedan, five-door station wagon, two-door coupé, and two-door convertible. The two-door models being the rarest. Power was provided by Chrysler’s 361 V8 producing 295 hp.