1955 Fireflite

Heather,

I've owned a '55 Firedome for 30+ years and am the '55 Model Year Coordinator for the Club. The answers to several of your questions depends greatly on the current condition of the vehicle you are considering. When I purchased mine, it was a low mileage original. As you might imagine, I've done a lot of regular and some not so regular maintenance over the years. With regular maintenance, the '55 DeSoto will be a trouble-free cruiser. There are many '55 owners in the Club and several of those visit this forum regularly. Most will agree that the '55 is a comfortable, dependable cruiser.

All DeSotos '55 and earlier used the 6 volt electrical system. Many owners, like me, are purists and still run the 6-volt system. If properly maintained, i.e., battery charged, posts kept clean, cables replaced with proper gauge wire, etc., the 6-volt system works fine. The only downside is that you cannot easily add aftermarket accessories like add-on air conditioning or a CD player. Some 6-volt owners upgrade to 12 volts because they experience hard starting issues with the 6 volt system. Very often, the hard starting is a symptom of another problem and not the fault of the 6 volt system. If you scan some of the other '55 year or electrical system posts on this forum you will see testimony from '55 owners who have used the 6 volt system for years with no issues, myself included.

How is to maintain and drive? Well, that depends to what you are comparing the '55 DeSoto. Comparing the DeSoto to any other car of the era and it is comparable. Compare the DeSoto - or any other car of the fifties - to a modern car on the subject of maintenance and you will find that a lot more maintenance is required. Today's modern cars require far less regular maintenance than did cars of yesterday, and typically are better built and last longer before rebuilding of major components is required. That's progress. If this is your first old car purchase prepare yourself that regular maintenance will be critical to trouble-free cruising. If doing your own maintenance is not an option, consider joining a local car club (in addition to the DeSoto Club, of course!) where you can find local resources for car repair.

Good luck on your discovery with the '55 Fireflite. Hope you join the DeSoto family.

Mark

I've owned a 55 Sportsman in the past, one of my all time favorites, wish I had another.
Pro's: It's a DeSoto! Very docile Hemi engine. Simple 2 speed transmission. Great styling. Is there a better dash? Very roomy. Likes the interstate.
Con's: Hmmm, can't think of any!! Seriously, I'd upgrade the master cylinder, not the best set up. Keep the 6v if possible. Watch out for rust in the rear frame rails where the spring shackles mount. That's about it. All and all a very wonderful car and if you are ever crazy enough to sell it....give me a call!!

We just went and took a closer look at the 55 Desoto. On closer look, it is a Firedome and not a Fireflite. 71,000 miles, original engine.

It looks to be in real good shape, body looks solid. There are a couple small bubbles at the bottom of the passenger side door.

Some sections of the chrome trim are a bit rough- bubbled up & pitted.

The interior looks like it's been redone recently- the seats and carpeting look brand new. The back seat doesn't even look like it's been sat in.

Asking price is $5500

I would say Buy it

Heather,

I also am a 55 DeSoto owner and would agree with everything Mark said in his above post. The Firedome as you describe it and as shown appears to be a good buy. The rear seat upholstery shown is either original or redone to original. The paint combination is not original as this model did not come with a three tone paint combination. Normally the top would have been the same color as the sweep color. I hope things work out with the purchase.

Mac

I have enjoyed my 55 sportsman for about 8 years. I got tired of the slow starting so switched to an 8 volt battery and it works fine ( had to have the regulater cranked up a bit ) altho the radio quit shortly after this and I've read on the radio forum that 8 volts will fry the vibrator or condensers in the radio..I don't miss the radio. I have also jump started the car many times with a 12 volt battery without a problem (maybe keep the lights off when jumping). I love driving it and it cruises well at 60/65 but I put bias ply tires on it and I wish I'd gone to radials..some highway seams jerk the car around and that can be quite scary in traffic. Your car looks like a honey a honey. dave

Hi Heather,

I currently have owned my 1955 DeSoto Firedome since 2001. Mine has 4 doors and runs great on the 6 volt engine. Like what others have said they are right about the maintenance. When I first bought my car, I had no idea what to do until I met a few classic car people in my neighborhood a couple months later and have learned a great deal from them.

If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. Join the DeSoto club as well as your local chapter and get to know people in your area that can help you out. You might be able to get someone to come out and look at the car with you.

Another thing, before you buy, don't forget to check underneath the car to make sure there is no rust under the floor or anywhere else.

Where are you located and where is the car at?

Jason

My 2 cents worth. If the car runs and drives and doesn't have a rusty frame Etc. I think that is a very good deal for the price. You can always offer them less but at that price it sounds like a good deal.

Heather, how can you say no to that grille?!

Those 1955's are great looking cars and have such nice styling inside as well. They are fairly rare birds at the car shows, that's for sure.

If you are not mechanically inclined, it may cost you more to maintain and repair than it would some of the gifted folks here, but if issues are dealt with as they come along, the car should be a joy to own.

Do you have a mechanic who could examine the car prior to you making an offer?

Not sure where you are located, but maybe a 6 volt battery might give you starting issues in the cold weather...not that you're planning on driving it in the snow...

The price looks good for such a rare-ish, classy car!

Good luck!