1956 DeSoto Fireflite

330 cubic inch Hemi V8

50377268

Clear

This is an original old car in almost every way. The paint and interior look to be original. The oil change stickers on the door jamb substantiate the odometer reading and make it credible. They show about 45,000 miles on the car in 1960 and 79,000 miles in 1967. At that point, it was just a used car, not old enough to appreciate, but it has been stored and cared for since then. It truly is an old survivor, and while it has some rough edges, they are all original, and you can either modify it to suit your wishes, or you can drive it and preserve it the way it is - just about the same as it when it was built some 58 years ago. The "Forward Look" Mopars have always been noticed and admired as styling leaders of the 1950s, and this one is a standout. It drives just the way you hope it will. It is smooth and quiet with no bad traits. The engine is quiet and strong without a lot of blowby, and the transmission shifts crisply. All the lights and gauges work, the windows roll up and down nicely, the tires and brakes are very good, and the chrome and stainless are very nice. The clock and radio do not work. It has an aftermarket Holley 4 barrel and new air cleaner on the engine, but the original Carter and factory breather are in the trunk, along with an interesting assortment of NOS filters, belts, etc. The paint is still OK in my opinion, though it has some obvious flaws when you get near the car. From a short distance away, it looks very nice, and I think an original paint job (lacquer?) is much preferable to a repaint on a car like this. The interior is all original and is very aged. The back seat still looks alright, but the front seat fabric is worn, stained, and splitting. The carpet is all there, but worn and thin. The headliner looks original and is intact, but has some stains and a couple of small holes. I don't think the car ever had any rust. The undercarriage is very nice and dry - no leaks. I think the miles are correct, and the car looks about like it did in 1967 when they quit using it. You just almost never find a car that has not been modified - they are only original once - and this one is. If you have an interest in this car, please give me a call at 409-769-1314, or ask questions through ebay. I will answer all questions honestly and accurately, and can send specific photos. I want this car to go to someone who will appreciate it for what it is, and I don't want to sell it to you and have you disappointed because of my description. I sell heavy trucks for a living and play with cars for fun. I love this car, but there is another one I want more, so I need to sell some. I encourage you to come look or send someone to inspect it ahead of time. Don't bid if you are not serious, and if you have feedback less than 5, I will reject your bid unless we have talked satisfactorily. I am not asking for a deposit after the auction, just a quick, smooth transaction. I will accept cash and wire transfers, but beyond that, we must talk. No one gets hurt in this transaction. I am also trying to sell the car locally, and reserve the right to remove this listing early.