DeSoto Fireflite 1956 Sedan
INSTRUCTIONS AVAILABLE
The Fireflite was introduced in 1955 as De Soto's top trim package of the DeSoto Firedome. It was wider and longer than the Firedome and it came equipped with a hemispherical cylinder head, 291 cubic inch displacement (4.8L) V8 engine producing 200 hp when equipped with the 4 barrel carburetor (149 kW) and PowerFlite automatic transmission. The transmission was operated by a Flite-Control lever located on the dashboard. The car weighed 4,070 lb (1850 kg) and cost US$3,544 ($40,309 in 2023 dollars ).
The 1956 model car was best known for its long, tapering tail fins, often accentuated by a two-tone exterior finish. The interior offered bench seating that could accommodate six passengers. The Fireflite had a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 11 seconds and a top speed of 110 mph (175 km/h).
The 1956 Fireflite had a longer stroke, 3.80 inches, giving a 330 cubic inch displacement (5.4L). Compression ratio increased to 8.5:1 and power increased to 230 hp (172 kW). It made up 27.39% of DeSoto's sales in 1956. Power seats were $70, while power brakes cost $40.
From the Spanish explorer, to the blue highway wanderer from 1955 named after him. Virgil Exner a designer at Chrysler, used the long sweeping lines, innovative use of chrome, and interior surfaces to die for, to create this design that was way ahead of its time, and gave the Tri Fives a real run for their money. Due to his work, born was the term “The Big Three” as his work kept Chrysler on the map.
DeSoto Fireflite 1956 Sedan
INSTRUCTIONS AVAILABLE
The Fireflite was introduced in 1955 as De Soto's top trim package of the DeSoto Firedome. It was wider and longer than the Firedome and it came equipped with a hemispherical cylinder head, 291 cubic inch displacement (4.8L) V8 engine producing 200 hp when equipped with the 4 barrel carburetor (149 kW) and PowerFlite automatic transmission. The transmission was operated by a Flite-Control lever located on the dashboard. The car weighed 4,070 lb (1850 kg) and cost US$3,544 ($40,309 in 2023 dollars ).
The 1956 model car was best known for its long, tapering tail fins, often accentuated by a two-tone exterior finish. The interior offered bench seating that could accommodate six passengers. The Fireflite had a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 11 seconds and a top speed of 110 mph (175 km/h).
The 1956 Fireflite had a longer stroke, 3.80 inches, giving a 330 cubic inch displacement (5.4L). Compression ratio increased to 8.5:1 and power increased to 230 hp (172 kW). It made up 27.39% of DeSoto's sales in 1956. Power seats were $70, while power brakes cost $40.
From the Spanish explorer, to the blue highway wanderer from 1955 named after him. Virgil Exner a designer at Chrysler, used the long sweeping lines, innovative use of chrome, and interior surfaces to die for, to create this design that was way ahead of its time, and gave the Tri Fives a real run for their money. Due to his work, born was the term “The Big Three” as his work kept Chrysler on the map.