1955-1956 DeSoto Fireflite: A Virgil Exner Design Classic

1955-1956 DeSoto Fireflite Browse the article 1955-1956 DeSoto Fireflite

1955-1956 DeSoto Fireflite

The first DeSotos were completely styled by Virgil Exner, and the 1955-1956 DeSoto Fireflite ranks among the division's most striking cars. The Fireflite featured lush upholstery and trick design features, like a "gullwing" dash and a toothy grille.

This model’s performance was more than ample from Hemi V-8 engines. Buyers had a choice between solid and wild two-tone colors, the latter with contrasting color in a chrome trimmed bodyside sweepspear.

Pluses of the 1955-1956 DeSoto Fireflite:

• Good styling for the period
• Quality construction
• Performance

Minuses of the 1955-1956 DeSoto Fireflite:

• Limited collector appeal
• Debatable design details

Production of the 1955 DeSoto Fireflite:

• 4-door sedan: 26,637
• 2-door Sportsman htp: 10,313
• Convertible: 775

Production of the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite:

• 4-door sedan: 18,207 (incl. Coronado)
• 2-door hardtop: 8475
• Convertible: 1385 (incl. Pacesetter)
• 4-door hardtop: 3350

Specifications of the 1955-1956 DeSoto Fireflite:
Wheelbase, inches: 126.0
Length, inches: 217.9
Weight, pounds: 3890-4075
Price, new: $2727-3615 (U.S.)

Engines for the 1955-1956 DeSoto Fireflite:

Type Size
Horsepower
Years
ohv V-8
291 cc
200 1955 ohv V-8
330 cc
255 1956

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