1958 DeSoto Firedome

The full-size DeSoto Firedome was introduced in 1952 and was initially known as the DeSoto Hemi V8, referencing its new spherical segment combustion chamber engine. Although this engine had been available in specific Chrysler models since 1951, it was the first time it was available in the DeSoto. DeSoto dropped the Custom line the following year, leaving the six-cylinder Powermaster and the top-of-the-line Firedome. The Powermaster series was dropped in 1955, and the Fireflite series was added to the top-level position, bumping the Firedome to entry-level status.

Virgil Exner introduced his 'Forward Look' styling theme to the Chrysler automobiles in 1955, and the DeSotos embraced the lower, longer, and wider body contours that were popular throughout much of the American automotive industry. In the front was a seven-tooth grille with integrated bumper guards and floating parking lights. Constant-width chrome moldings traversed the body sides and helped distinguish it from the more 'upscale' Fireflite which had single, flared, chrome side moldings (on sedans). The V8 engine powering the Firedome increased from 276 CID to 291 CID, bringing horsepower to 185 bhp. A three-speed manual transmission was standard and a Powerflite 2-speed automatic was optional (most were fitted with the automatic).

In 1957, the Firesweep became the entry-level model, the Firedome became the intermediate, and the Fireflite remained the top-of-the-line model. The wheelbase size of the Firedome continued to measure 126 inches, but its bodies were longer and lower with many styling changes. The grille and bumper were now integrated, and the color sweep was positioned low on the body panels. In the back were triple round taillamps carried over from the previous year, with exhaust tips integrated with the bumper. The previous year's 330.4 CID V8 grew to 341.4 cubic inches for 1957, and horsepower rose accordingly, from 230 bhp in 1956 to 270 in 1957.

1958 DeSoto Firedome
In 1958, DeSoto produced 49,445 vehicles, and 17,479 of those were the Firedome in 2- and 4-door Sportsman, sedan, and convertible coupe body styles. The most popular was the sedan with 9,505 examples produced, while just 519 convertibles were created. The wheelbase measured 126 inches, and a Firedome nameplate could be found on the rear fenders. They had the same side trim as the Firesweep models but with different frontal molding treatments. An automatic was standard with a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic being optional, costing an additional $220. A three-speed manual was also available but was not frequently ordered. The inside was well appointed, featuring Frontier Homespun fabric in combination with grained vinyl. Power was from an overhead valve 361 cubic-inch engine offering nearly 300 horsepower. The 361 CID was also found in the Fireflite and Adventurer models but in a different configuration.

1959 was the final year for the Firedome, and to help boost sales, DeSoto offered it in 26 solid colors and 190 two-tone combinations.

The world economy endured a recession in 1958, known as the Eisenhower Recession, which caused many businesses to shut down. The automotive market was affected, and many businesses would fail or soon fail during this time. DeSoto was not immune to the economic hardships, and its business suffered. 1959 would be the final year of production for the Firedome, leaving just the Fireflite and Adventurer for 1960. The brief production of the 1961 DeSoto was known simply as the Series RS1-L, and just 911 two-door hardtop sedans, and 2,123 four-door hardtop sedans were built before production ended on November 30th, 1960.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2014