1955 DeSoto Fireflite

Coronado Sedan

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

50350539

Gasoline

This is a pretty nice car all around. It is the rare "Coronado" edition. It originally was a 3 tone paint scheme. Power steering and brakes. The repaint covered the seafoam green that was the center area of the car, now black. The restoration was LONG ago, so some things are above average but all in all an average driver in need of some work. Original 291CI Hemi motor, it starts right up and runs great. Good oil pressure and does not smoke as she goes. It has an automatic transmission that was serviced and shifts normally. Interior is actually nice, with no rips, tears in seats, headliner or carpet to speak of. Exterior paint is from the older restoration and is showings its age. A 20 footer. That is the simple description, here are the details. Mechanically: the HEMI "Fireflite" motor is very sound. It starts up with a momentary twist of the key unless it's been a couple of weeks then it takes about 4 seconds of the starter for gas to hit. Oil pressure is always good and the car has plenty of power, gets right up and cruises. Like I said above the automatic transmission was just serviced and it runs and shifts normally. Car could use a new exhaust, rust is getting the better of the the one on the car now and you can start to hear it. The master cylinder was rebuilt but the brakes are still weak in my opinion. Exterior of the car: Amazing part is all the stainless and chrome. Just take a look at the photos, tons of it. I think every part/piece is there and though maybe could use rechroming most look great. The paint is old and shows when close up. Below average overall, but nice as a driver or from 20 feet away. The only big signs of rust are a few bubbles starting to show beneath trunk and a couple of small spots under corner of back window. (see photos). Couple of scrapes on lower areas. Has all 4 hubcaps and a new set of wide white wall tires. The spotlights are decorative and do not function. Glass is all pretty nice with the exception of 2 "bullseyes" in the windshield and the drivers side window acts up a bit. Interior: Above average for its age. A product of an old restoration. The seats all are solid, no rips etc. Headliner is OK and the carpet is great. Door panels are OK. Trim around doors is showing wear. Passenger door handle is sticking but have a replacement on the way. The only thing wrong is the speedo needs to be replaced. The previous owner tried to do CPR on it and it did not go well. Trunk: Looks solid with the exception of the spare tire area where the drain hole has rusted to be about 4" wide,(see photos) other than that it looks good. You can see the original liner is still installed. Underneath: I tried to get some photos but description will be better. Frame is rock solid. Floors look great! There is some areas of the inner rockers that had rusted, looks like someone put rust killer/stopper on it in the past. Exhaust works but will need to be replaced soon. This is no show car on any level. It is a neat car with tons of chrome and steel. Solid running original Hemi and a nice interior. It can be an easy driver or a good restoration based on all the parts that are there. If you have any questions at all please ask, if you live nearby please come by and see the car. Thanks for your time.