1955 Desoto Fireflite

Their were only 775 1955 DeSoto Convertibles made.
The 1955 model year was a rebirth for DeSoto, as the company unveiled the Virgil Exner-penned "Forward Look" design. The new design, nearly doubled DeSoto sales for the year.
The new high-line car in the 1955 DeSoto lineup was the Fireflite, with a snappy two-tone paint job and a list of features that would make any automaker proud. The 1955 DeSoto was more rakish and sporty looking than the standard run of Fords and Chevrolets that year, and the model was graced with an assortment of showy trim pieces. Bright backswept fender ornaments encompassed the headlights, a large hood ornament sat above the grille, trim adorned the hood line, a chrome-lined color sweep extended the length of the car, more trim was affixed to the lower rocker panel, and V-8 emblems abounded. Buyers could opt for a Coronado Fireflite, which added leather upholstery to the interior and a three-tone paint scheme to the exterior.
Under the hood, all 1955 DeSotos featured a 291-cid, 200-hp Firedome hemi V-8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor. Transmission choices included a three-speed manual with optional overdrive, or the optional push-button PowerFlite automatic. Buyers could select the Fireflite in a variety of configurations, including four-door sedan, two-door hardtop coupe, and two-door convertible. Production totals were not high -- about 37,000 Fireflites were made, compared to 80,000 of the base model Firedome.
In 1956 the "Pacesetter" convertible commemorating the Fireflite's selection as the pace car of the 1956 Indianapolis 500. Like most commemorative editions, these pace car replicas came loaded with options.

[@alanstrong3295]

Beautiful car. Perfect for any parade. Let the mayor wave to the people.

[@robertthacher2660]

Those were the days, my friends. What a car. Nice to look at, very comfortable to drive or ride. A rag top was always optional. Chrysler was at it's peak as a car company in the 50's. You had Dodge, Desoto, Plymouth with Chrysler. All nice cars! They don't make cars as nice as this today!

[@crist67mustang]

I think tgis car is the most beautiful car of all times. The colors red and cream are the best combination ever. 1955 and 1956 were rhe most landed designwd cars. 1959 -1960 tail as rocket was a bad joke from my point of view. 1955 Desoto is a beauty from every corners. Tail lights are oerfect, frontal grill is nice.

[@robertthacher2660]

The 46 Chrysler convertible. An amazing automobile!

[@crist67mustang]

Me again years later. Color red orangish, and cream tone is the best configuration. Shape of body is so beautiful..! 😍

[@alanstrong55]

Be fun to own a DeSoto and live in the small town of De Soto, IA. That car is a smash!

[@fernando29113]

Elegante.. ...

[@desotokid99]

Bring this car back

[@madpainterken]

Lovely...the best colour configuration ..mine is the same..but a Sportsman

[@luvsilly60]

Work of art

[@alanstrong55]

Who could rightfully criticize such a red and white classic like this De Soto. Not this American.

[@frankgiaquinto1571]

Wow - very sharp looking old DeSoto - It's very rare to see any Chrysler Corporation convertibles from 1955, not even the Dodges & Plymouths,which I'm sure sold in higher numbers than the DeSotos....

[@chrisjeffries2322]

Only 775 made and one of the was used in a TV commercial with Betty Grable and husband Harry James and Groucho Marx.

[@joseantoniomartinsdovale4856]

LOVELY CAR

[@edutango53]

uma grande marca/Desoto/ Packard/ Auburn==tops

[@boots235]

Dazzling!!!!

[@Southeastwheelsevent]

Real Rare!

[@itsmegp46]

Parts must be even more rare. I understand they're made from unobtainium.

[@Southeastwheelsevent]

With less than 800 made this is a car that will appreciate in value. Thanks for watching.

[@aaronwilliams6989]

SWEEEEET!

[@robertthacher2660]

Another great car was the Dodge Dart Phoenix. from 1960. They have one on youtube Just beautiful!

[@hanschenk2708]

BEAUTIFUL CAR WISH I HAD A SCALE MODEL OF ONE

[@donhathaway3234]

Mopar certainly had its share of years where styling was somewhat…..controversial we might say. But, the years where they got ‘it’ right, the results were spectacular. And 55 was one of those years. When you see a DeSoto sitting next to the iconic 55 Chevy, it makes the Chevy look pedestrian.

[@robertthacher2660]

Some years were controversial. I think the overdid the fins in the late 50's but mostly they were beautiful cars!

[@susansprouse1694]

I think my parent's was a 55, but it was green.

[@Southeastwheelsevent]

[@chrisk8187]

Nice car, the panning shots could be EVEN slower to absorb and appreciate the design. The intro music is from the wrong decade, You don't need it anyway, distracting. Thanks!

[@MajorWolfgangHochstetter]

I'll trade you my red 2006 Jeep Wrangler rag top!