DeSoto Firesweep

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This 1957 DeSoto Firesweep wagon illustrates the car's Dodge-like front end sheet metal.

1958 DeSoto Firesweep

The DeSoto Firesweep was an automobile produced by the Chrysler Corporation and sold through its DeSoto brand of automobiles from 1957 through 1959.

While the Firesweep resembled other 1957 DeSoto models, its most distinguishing characteristic was its physical relationship to concurrent, smaller Dodge vehicles, which shared a substructure with the Firesweep. While the Firesweep featured DeSoto's signature tail fins, the front clip (the front section, forward of the firewall) was based on the Dodge Coronet. The most telling feature was the headlight design, housed under heavily chromed lids typical of Dodge. Firesweep grilles were similar to those on other DeSoto models.

The Firesweep could seat six passengers and was available as a 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon, 2-door coupé and 2-door convertible. Depending on the body style, Firesweeps weighed between 3,660 and 3,980 lb (1,660 and 1,674 kg). Power for the cars was provided by Chrysler's 361 V8 overhead valve engine capable of 295 hp at 4,600 rpm. A 3-speed manual transmission was standard and an optional Torqueflite automatic transmission was also available. The majority of 1959 Firesweeps were equipped with the automatic transmission.

The base price of the Firesweep (1957) was US$3,169 and it was offered in one and two-tone exterior finishes. Features included power steering, power brakes, dashboard clock, push-button radio and whitewall tires.

The first year of the car’s production, 1957, was the best year for Firesweep sales. A decline in DeSoto quality and increasing market pressures led to the end of the Firesweep’s production at the end of the 1959 model year, during which the cars carried only DeSoto external nameplates.

For 1960 DeSoto automobiles came in two series, Fireflite and the Adventurer.

The final Desoto model, lacking a series name, was offered for the 1961 model year. DeSoto production ended in November 1960.

[edit] References

• Gunnell, John, Editor (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Kraus Publications. ISBN 0-87341-096-3. 

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