Desoto · 1955–1960

DeSoto Fireflite

The DeSoto Fireflite is a full-size premium automobile which was produced by DeSoto in the United States from 1955 until 1960.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: DeSoto Custom

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Design

The Fireflite was introduced in 1955 as DeSoto's top trim package of the DeSoto Firedome. It was wider and longer than the Firedome, and came equipped with a hemispherical cylinder head, 291 cubic inch displacement (4.8L) V8 engine producing 200 hp when equipped with the 4-barrel carburetor (149 kW), and PowerFlite automatic transmission. The transmission was operated by a Flite-Control lever located on the dashboard. The car weighed 4,070 lb (1850 kg) and cost US$3,544 ($42,594 in 2025 US dollars). AM radio was a US$110 option ($1,322 in 2025 US dollars). 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 discontinued the Fireflite models at the end of the 1960 model year, along with the DeSoto brand as a whole in November 1960.

Indianapolis 500 pace car

In 1956, a gold and white Fireflite convertible was the Official Pace Car for the 1956 Indianapolis 500. While no official production figures for the pacesetter convertibles were ever released, research from National DeSoto Club members has narrowed it down to between 390 and 426 produced. Indianapolis 500 President Tony Hulman said the DeSoto was chosen unanimously by the track committee because it delivered "outstanding performance and had superb handling characteristics."

Modifications and specifications

The 1956 Fireflite had a longer stroke, 3.80 inches, giving a 330 cubic inch displacement (5.4L). Compression ratio increased to 8.5:1 and power increased to 230 hp (172 kW). It made up 27.39% of DeSoto's sales in 1956. Power seats were US$70, while power brakes cost US$40. The Fireflite's appearance for 1957 was redesigned with the help of Chrysler's head stylist, Virgil Exner. The design was bold and radical with large tail fins, dual oval exhaust, and triple-lens taillights. A four-headlight system was optional for both the Fireflite and DeSoto Firedome models in 1957. 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 hemi engine was replaced by a hemi which was 341 cid (5.6L). The two-barrel carburetor produced 270 hp (201 kW), while the four-barrel version was rated at 295 hp (220 kW). Both engines had a 9.25:1 compression ratio. 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. In 1958, a new engine was added. For 1959, the car was restyled. The electric clock became standard. A hand brake light was optional. == References ==

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

Layout: FR layout
Body style: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, 4-door hardtop, 2-door convertible, 4-door station wagon
Assembly: Detroit, MI (Wyoming Ave) Assembly Los Angeles, CA (Maywood) Assembly
Manufacturer: DeSoto (Chrysler)
Model years: 1955–1960
Predecessor: DeSoto Series S-10
Related: Chrysler Newport, Chrysler 300, DeSoto Firedome, DeSoto Adventurer, Dodge Coronet
Engine: 325 cuin V8, 330 cuin V8, 341 cuin V8
Wheelbase: 126 in
Length: 217.9 in (1955), 220.9 in (1956), 218 in (1957), 222.1 in(1959)
Width: 77 in (1955), 78.2 in (1957)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q828270CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeSoto_FirefliteCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1369693737 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:De_Soto_Fireflite_S_21_l.jpgCC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo: Norbert Schnitzler · retrieved 2026-10-01
Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.