1958 DeSoto Fireflite

The 1958 DeSoto Fireflite was an impressive and stately vehicle available as a sedan, 2- or 4-door Sportsman, Convertible Coupe, and 6- or 9-passenger Station Wagon. Power came from an overhead vale 361 cubic-inch engine offering just over 300 horsepower. The engine featured a new rigid, deep skirt block and overhead valves employing wedge-shaped combustion chambers.

Identifying the Fireflite models were specific rear fender nameplates and an upper bodyside molding that traversed the entire vehicle length. There were special medallions on the sides of the front fenders as well. Color sweep trim was standard on hardtops and convertibles. Eighty-six two-tone and 14 solid color schemes were available, and new exterior colors were announced mid-year. Around the same time, a springtime trim package was introduced as an option for all models except Adventurers. The interiors of the Fireflite were done in metallic Damask and vinyl.

An automatic transmission was standard with a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic available at an additional cost. The wheelbase measured 126 inches, and the length was 218.6 inches. Pricing began at $3,575 for the 4-door sedan and rose to $4,175 for the 9-passenger station wagon. The 6-passenger wagon saw just 318 examples produced. 4,192 4-door sedans were produced with 6,527 Sportsman (both 2 and 4 doors) vehicles found interested buyers.

The DeSoto Fireflite, first introduced in 1955, remained in production through 1960. In 1956, a gold and white Fireflite convertible served Official Pace Car duties for the Indianapolis 500.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2012