DeSoto Firedome

Topline series, 1952–1954

4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 2-door convertible The 1953 Firedome was introduced just prior to DeSoto's 25th Anniversary in 1953, and arrived as the new top series, displacing the Custom nameplate which was retired at the end of the 1952 model year. The entire De Soto model lineup was restyled and Firedome prices started at US$2,740 ($ in dollars ). During the 1953 model year, approximately 64,211 examples were produced.

The Firedome could seat six passengers. It was available as a 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon, 2-door coupe and 2-door convertible. The AM radio was US$85 ($ in dollars ).

The Firedome was powered by a Hemi V8 engine producing 160 hp (120 kW) and had a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h). The car weighed 3,700 lb (1,700 kg) and had a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time of 15.5 seconds. This was the first time that DeSoto offered an 8-cylinder engine in one of its models since 1931. By 1953, DeSoto's Firedome Hemi V-8 produced 170 horsepower.

File:DeSoto Firedome (8152137890).jpg|1952 DeSoto Firedome 8 All-Steel Station Wagon File:1953 DeSoto Firedome (15897706033).jpg|1953 DeSoto Firedome 2-door coupe File:TCM19 08 - De Soto.jpg|1954 DeSoto Firedome 2-door convertible

Entry-level series 1955–1956

4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 2-door convertible 3-speed manual

In 1955, Chrysler dropped its 6-cylinder DeSoto Powermaster series and added the topline Fireflite series, pushing the Firedome down to entry level status. Still, the Firedome retained its V8 engine, but increasing the 276 c.i. displacement to 291 c.i. with a larger bore, a power boost to 185 horsepower, and coming with a host of features and interior upgrades that were lacking in the Powermaster series. While Powerflite 2-speed automatics were advertised as optional transmission equipment on the Firedome, officially the car was also offered with a 3-speed manual as standard equipment, although few were produced.

In 1956, the Firedome V-8 got another boost in horsepower, to 230 H.P., an increase of 45 horsepower over the previous year. File:55 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman (9340387254).jpg|1955 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman 2-door File:55wagon.jpg|1955 DeSoto Firedome Station Wagon File:55Wagon2.jpg|1955 DeSoto Firedome Station Wagon File:55Wagon3.jpg|1955 DeSoto Firedome Station Wagon Interior File:1956 DeSoto Firedome sedan at 2015 Macungie show 1of3.jpg|1956 DeSoto Firedome Four-door Sedan File:DeSoto Firedome 1956 Rear.jpg|1956 DeSoto Firedome Two-door Sportsman

Midline series 1957–1959

4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 2-door convertible

The series was again moved upmarket in the model offering when the 1957 DeSotos were introduced, with the new entry-level Dodge-based Firesweep. A new air-conditioner was offered.

By 1958 the horsepower had increased to over 300 (220 kW) with the option of the 361 cubic-inch (5,920 cc) V8 engine. Zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) now took just under eight seconds with a top speed of 115 mi/h. However, 1958 DeSoto's sales decreased by almost 60% from 1957's model year output, partially due to the economy and partially because of build issues with the 1957 models.

In an attempt to attract buyers, Chrysler offered the 1959 DeSoto Firedome in 26 solid colors and 190 two-tone finishes. By the end of the 1959 model year, Chrysler was struggling to find buyers for its DeSoto automobiles. Despite the wide variety of models available, consumers shunned DeSoto automobiles as rumor circulated that Chrysler would phase out the marque. A padded dash was standard.

Firedome production ended at the end of the 1959 model year.

For the 1960 model year DeSoto offered two models, the Fireflite and the Adventurer. For model year 1961, a model named only "DeSoto" was sold as a two-door hardtop and four-door hardtop. The end of the DeSoto marque came on November 30, 1960, 48 days after the 1961 models were introduced, ending 32 years of production. File:57 DeSoto Firedome (9135094876)crop.jpg|1957 DeSoto Firedome 4-door sedan rear File:1958 DeSoto Firedome 2 Door Sportsman.jpg|1958 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman 2-door File:De Soto Firedome Sports 1959.jpg|1959 DeSoto Firedome 2-door File:59 DeSoto Firedome (9134891582).jpg|1959 DeSoto Firedome interior

References

References

1. "Directory Index: DeSoto/1953_DeSoto/1953_DeSoto_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com.
2. Flory, J. "Kelly" Jr.. (2008). "American Cars 1946–1959". McFarland & Coy.
3. "1953 DeSoto - Puts you ahead automatically!".
4. "Directory Index: DeSoto/1955_DeSoto/1955_DeSoto_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com.
5. "- YouTube".
6. "Early Hemi Serial Numbers".
7. "1957 DeSoto Prestige Brochure".
8. "Directory Index: DeSoto/1959_DeSoto/1959_DeSoto_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com.