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1955 DeSoto Fireflite Convertible
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1955 DeSoto Fireflite Convertible
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- Park Place LTD
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1880 136th Pl NE
Bellevue, WA 98005
- Sales: 425-562-1000
- Service/Auto Salon: 425-746-5447
- Parts: 425-748-0120
- Auto Salon (Detail): 425-748-0132
Vehicle Information
VIN:
XXXXXXXXX50359488
Stock #:
18308
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Body Style Convertible -
Exterior Color Surf White/Carnival Red
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Interior Color White/Red
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Mileage 0
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Engine 8 Cyl - 5300 L -
Transmission Automatic -
Fuel Type Gasoline
Dealer Comments
1955 Desoto Fireflite Convertible
The DeSoto Fireflite Convertible debuted in 1955 as the brand's flagship vehicle and one of the most luxurious, high-end cars in the entire Chrysler corporation's lineup. Part of the "Forward Look" designs penned by styling legend Virgil Exner, the Fireflite represents the pinnacle of DeSoto and is one of the rarest American-made convertibles of the era. One of just 775 built in 1955, this example was sold new in the Pacific Northwest and has spent its entire life on the west coast, passed between collectors, and remains in very nice condition throughout.
This Fireflite was first sold to a dentist based in Portland, Oregon and after a number of years there, the car was sold to local collector Gordon Apker. Apker had one of the most prominent collections in the greater Seattle area and was well known for buying truly special and high-quality vehicles. As the car's second owner, the Apkers held on to this Fireflite until Gordon's passing in 2016 when it was sold to Don Williams of Danville, CA. Williams operates the Blackhawk Collection, a museum, and dealership that has seen many of the world's greatest cars pass through their hands including this Fireflite which remained in the collection for 5 years. A frequent sighting at car shows while in Apker's hands, this Fireflite won an award at the 2015 Goodguys Spring Nationals in Scottsdale, AZ and has been displayed at events around the country.
Powered by a 5.3-liter Firedome Hemi V8, when equipped with the optional Carter BBD 4-bbl carburetor the 1955 Fireflite produced 200 horsepower and was capable of a top speed of over 110 mph. That V8 is connected to a two-speed Powerflite automatic transmission with a "Flite-Control" lever on the dash to select gears. To slow the car down, a set of 12" drum brakes were standard and the suspension consisted of independent front suspension, paired to a live rear axle.
Painted in creamy DeSoto Surf White With Carnival Red side striping, the car presents quite well and is covered in chrome trim which was so ubiquitous in that era. One of the unique styling accents on the Fireflite is a special set of downturned exhaust tips with gold accents that shows just how much attention to detail was paid with the creation of this car. A set of upgraded Kelsey Hayes wire wheels are wrapped in wide white wall tires giving the car a notably upscale appearance and adding rarity to the already uncommon Fireflite. The interior was finished to match the exterior paint with white primary upholstery and red patterned seat centers, tied together with black piping- all of which remain in very good condition.
The 1955 Fireflite Convertible was one of the finest vehicles available in its era and remains a stunning statement of a car today. With just 775 produced, it is almost a guarantee that you won't see another like it and especially not one with history like this. Knowing the complete ownership history of a car that is nearly 70 years old is rare- what is even more rare is that it has been in the hands of just three people since then. Having spent decades in two of the greatest collections of cars anywhere should tell you just how special this DeSoto truly is and it is hard to imagine finding another with this sort of provenance.
Standard Features
- 5.3-Liter Hemi V8
- 200 Horsepower
- 2-Speed Powerflite Transmission
- 12" Drum Brakes
- Convertible Top
- Steel Wheels With Hubcaps
- Chrome Grille
- Two-Tone Paint
- Dual Bench Seats
- Live Rear Axle
- Independent Front Suspension
For more information on this 1955 DeSoto Fireflite Convertible or any of our 100+ Luxury, Exotic and High-Performance sports cars always in stock, contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales consultants or always feel free to drop by our 5-acre Bellevue, WA campus with over 40,000 sq ft of Indoor Showrooms - Home of the West Coast's Most Exciting and Diverse Inventory of Luxury, Exotic, High Performance and Collectible Automobiles. With 150+ Always On Site, Nobody Has What We Have!
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May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)