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Desoto Fireflite - 1955-1956 | 
| Last produced in 1961, desotos are now just a distant memory, but some will remember that in the mid-1950s they sponsored groucho marxs long-running you bet your life television quiz show. Desoto also reaped publicity when a gold-and-white fireflite convertible was the pacesetter for the 1956 indianapolis 500. | Specifications performance
Top speed of 115 mph
engine typedrivetrain: Overhead-valve,
v8
displacement 291330.4 cu. In power rating 210-255 hp
transmission 3-speed manual (1955), 2-speed automatic (1956)
chassis: Independent front coil-spring and rear leaf-spring suspension; Drum brakes; 3,395-4,125 lbs.
price: $2,727-33,565 |
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| | About vehicle
Styled for tomorrow
in 1955, designer virgil exners forward look that was styled for tomorrow updated desotos image with lower, wider body contours. The fireflite, its top series, came in hardtop coupe, sedan and convertible models. They could be ordered in one color with a bright metal side panel, but most buyers selected a second color for the panel and roof. There was even a special three-color coronado sedan with a black roof, turquoise body and white sweepspear with interior to match. All interiors had nylon upholstery and carpeting except for the hardtop, which sported leather trim. The 200hp v8 engine featured hemispherical combustion chambers.
tooth extraction
for 1956, the fireflite lineup gained a four-door hardtop and a limited-edition replica of the
pacesetter convertible. Desoto adopted tailfins that held three taillight lenses, and the mouthful of seven chrome teeth up front gave way for a mesh grille. The new rear bumper contained false exhaust ports. Now enlarged to 330.4 cu. In., the firedome engine reached 255 hp.
Colorful fireflite models, such as this 1955 two-door hardtop, helped desoto reach near-record production in 1955. Thefollowing year was almost as good. |
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