1958 DeSoto Firesweep

Convertible

V-8

Automatic

LS16662

Clear

Gasoline

1958 DeSoto Firesweep Convertible RARE Has been featured in movies, television, music videos and classic car magazines. VIN: LS16662 This car is from the 1958 game show "You Bet Your Life" where Groucho Marx drove the car from the parking lot, saying: "It's de-lovely, it's dynamic, it's a DeSoto. Try a DeSoto before you decide. Tell them Groucho sent you." Chrysler Corporation replaced the first generation Hemi engine with the new wedge head V-8. 350 cubic inch engine, this one is special order, called the POWER PACK with 295 HP, 4600 RPM, four barrel dual exhaust, push button torque flight automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power top, sold brand new in Los Angeles, CA with original black plates. This car is original and has not bee taken apart. It's been painted once, but remember "original" comes only once. Though the paint is not original, most of the car is originally the same as it was assembled by Chrysler DeSoto. The cost new was $3,974. 1958 saw a sharp recession in Detroit. Unemployment was at 20 percent and there were very few DeSoto convertibles made, and even fewer were sent to California, where this one was sold new. It was labeled at the time "the exciting new look, the feel of the future." This car new sold for more money than a Buick, Oldsmobile, Chevrolet or Ford car. If you bought a DeSoto, you were person of means and taste. At the time Chrysler was spending most of its marketing on the Imperial and with the addition to the Chrysler Newport, the DeSoto's time had come to an end. Famous near the end, was its advertising campaign "It's de-lovely", using the Cole Porter song. This car has an exceptionally dry and straight body. I have shown all the license plates this car has carried over the years, including original black plate, its plate at the end of the 1960s and its newer plates issued in the late 1980s and the current one from the 1990s that it carries now...all California plates. I have the registrations going back over 25 years and California title going back 30 years. This car comes with the rare BUBBLE WINDSHIELD. Pay special attention to the pictures, and you will see the bubble at the top. This design came out before GM copied it in the 1960s, and this is the original windshield, in great condition. This car is very dependable, very smooth ride, sporty and powerful and has more style than other classics of its generation. It has nice wide whitewall tires, but comes with a brand new set of tires, still in the plastic. It has a beautiful black cloth top and a hood over the top when the top is down that is black cloth with white piping. All of the original manuals, jack and spare tire are included. Everything works on the car, including clock and original radio. I have added a more expensive radio under the dashboard for CD and iPod. Both radios are hooked up. This car has resided in a garage in Malibu for the last 20+ years. While being in many charity vents, I have driven celebrities in this car that include Walter Matthau, Jack Lemon, Dick Clark and most recently, down to the Starbucks, Dick van Dyke. There are only 10 of this particular model known to exist in the world. Many of these DeSoto convertibles have sold for over $100k. One record sale was at $367k. This is a tremendous opportunity for someone to get a great car and also a car that is worth double the amount I am asking. We might as well call it a collector's dream. You may call me anytime (Dave): (310) 614-9593. I know everything about this car; it's like a family member. I am a private owner with title in my name and a California resident. Please know that the car is sold "as-is" and no warranties are given. I've have divulged everything I know about this car and have tried to be as accurate as possible in my description. If you are a serious buyer and need more specific pictures, please call or email me. I am a private party. I will help coordinate transport, if necessary. ONLY SERIOUS BIDDERS PLEASE!! DO NOT BID UNLESS YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO PURCHASE THE CAR. MANY PEOPLE WANT A CAR LIKE THIS AND BID AND CANNOT PAY. Thank you for looking.