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While driving down the road about six miles from home the other day, I spied what looked like a front clip from a 1957 De Soto Firesweep Sportsman for sale by the road. This was a bit shocking because one just doesn't see hardly anything De Soto around Southern Oregon. I called the number, and sure enough it was an entire front clip from a Firesweep Sportsman (two door I was told) in pretty decent condition, complete with inner fenders, hood, ornament, lettering, and side trim. The right side "Sportsman" script ornamentation is missing the first half. It has the chrome brow above the headlights still attached and in pretty good shape. The car was a light blue/aqua color, and still has the original paint.
This an early '57 as it has the single headlight setup. The seller also had the front bumper with grill, parking light assemblies, etc. still in place. All are in decent shape with a few dings, some pitting, minimal rust--but surprisingly solid overall. I bought both thinking a '57 Firesweep owner somewhere would want these very restorable items. The gentleman also said he had one door from the car (forgot to ask which one), and the trunk lid, which he said was in good condition as well.
I'm located in Southern Oregon, very close to Interstate 5, about 100 miles north of California border. Will sell the front clip as a whole, and the bumper assembly as a whole. If interested, I can still acquire the door and trunk lid. E-mail me at bingcj@frontiernet.net.
Not necessarily an early car. All 1957 DeSoto Firesweeps had only 2 headlights.
Not necessarily an early car. All 1957 DeSoto Firesweeps had only 2 headlights.
Ed,
Thanks for the correction. I'm no expert on '57 Firesweeps. Did the Firedomes on up then go to the dual headlights with later '57 models?
Early in the production year, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin had not yet approved the 4-light system. In those states, you had to buy a 2-light car, but could legally drive through with a 4-light car. Later in the year, all states approved 4-light systems, but if you preferred a 2-light car, I believe you could still get one. All '57 Firesweeps are 2-light cars, and all '57 Adventurers are 4-light cars, since by their later introduction, they were legal everywhere. Firedomes and Fireflites could be either 2 or 4 light cars.
Ed,
Great information. Thanks so much. I don't own a '57 De Soto, but I sure do prefer the 2 headlight cars. They look sportier and more streamlined.
