Used 1955 Desoto Fireflite

1955 Desoto Fireflite 2 Door Hardtop DeSoto was clearly onto a great thing with the fire themed names, or so they thought. The Fireflite was introduced in 1955 as the range topping model in an attempt to expand the DeSoto model lineup. The Firesweep followed in 1957 as a Dodge based entry level model. Curbsideclassics.com For consignment, a 1955 Desoto Fireflite 2 door hardtop showing 5,933 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This custom street rod was built by The Hobby Shop in Glendale, California and has been featured in American Rodder several times as well as other rodding publications. It also has a long list of awards and was even replicated in diecast form by M2 Machines, an example of which is included with the sale.  Exterior Definitely has a SoCal vibe with a low slung body wearing two stage fuchsia alternating with bright white that covers the roof and fills the distinctive panel on the sides. Polished trim borders all of the white including a robust trim piece on the C-pillar. The car's been expertly decked, nosed, and shaved and the Fireflite name bears out in flame outlines on the sides and along the roofline, while pinstriping encircles the car with elaborate flourishes front and rear. Ornate wheel covers cap the 15-inch wheels that emit a ring of teal colored steel. Imperfections include some light pitting on a front window frame, several scratches including a pair of sizable ones on a door, touched up chips, edge chips, spider cracks, peeling paint on a door sill, peeling chrome from a bumper, pitting in stainless side trim, ding and disconnection of another, filler evidence in door jamb, scuffs throughout, and some bubbling.  Interior White vinyl door panels include a pleated center insert and polished trim as well as a fuchsia and white detail in the corner. The vinyl is fully intact and shows some typical and slight discoloration in spots but overall clean. A big split bench and equally large seat in back are the laps of luxury and elegant in white, pleated vinyl, both with purple seat belts. The color palette continues up front, this time including black in the two tone steering wheels with polished features, leading to a white dash with black faced gauges flanking the vintage speedometer. Chrome trim continues to the passenger side of the where a pinstripe flourish accompanies the Fireflite name in mid century font, all under black dash pad in nice shape. In the glovebox is a JVC AM/FM/CD player and on the floor, a Lokar shifter over black carpet along with a custom cup holder. The trunk also benefits from black carpet and walls of pleated white vinyl and houses a spare covered in white with fuchsia piping for the finishing touch. Drivetrain Covered by a custom painted and matching shroud, we have a 291ci Hemi V8, rated at 200 horsepower and fueled via a single 4-barrel although the shroud is topped by six pack style triple air cleaner covers. Chrome valve covers are stamped with Fire Dome, painted to match, and the engine is mated to a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission routing power to a 8 ¾ inch rear. The bay presents cleanly and show ready.  Undercarriage Generally clean underneath with some typical surface rust and some Swiss cheese rust on an inner panel. Dual exhaust runs through glasspack style mufflers and exits through square polished tips. Power brakes are on board as front disc and rear drum and suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in back with a 2 drop.  Drive-Ability We bring the V8 to life and roll onto the tarmac with a little bit of Santana playing in our head. The car delivers a comfortable ride with decent power, smooth shifting and straight tracking. Of note are things not working including the reverse lights, AM radio, and passenger door exterior popper. We also note the tires rub during sharp turns. Beyond that, all functions operate as intended and we return to the mall so this car can begin its purple reign! While Classi