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Thought I might inquire with our resident 1955 experts in trying to decipher a fellow NDC member's data plate. For a while, it has puzzled me what the letters under the MODEL column indicate as I have seen it vary between TP (as mine has) and (P, such as Mac's). Just today I received a photograph of a data plate which reads XX with a T beneath the 1st X. I can only assume it would be a special order vehicle? I wonder as to why, or what was specially ordered on this car? I suppose we wouldn't know for sure until the owner contacted Chrysler Historical concerning the build sheet, but I thought perhaps someone might know through experience on their own or have some information regarding this code. Thanks in advance to any help!
Also, as many of you know, i have been accumulating information on the '55 Coronado to start a database. I now have 19 vehicles on my list (missing information for several), but thought this was pretty exciting considering only a year ago I knew of just a handful amongst our club. 
1955 Desoto Fireflite Coronado
1959 Desoto Fireflite 4 door Sedan
1959 Desoto Fireflite 2 door Hardtop
Jessica,
You've got me stumped! I was hoping Mac or someone else might have an idea. Those codes don't appear on any of the '55 code number information I have.
Mark
Mark, Do you have information on what the TP or P coding indicates?
1955 Desoto Fireflite Coronado
1959 Desoto Fireflite 4 door Sedan
1959 Desoto Fireflite 2 door Hardtop
Unfortunately, no.
Here is a picture of the plate in question. It is owned by one of our members, Bob Thomas. I wanted to make sure I had his permission before sharing his picture with you.
1955 Desoto Fireflite Coronado
1959 Desoto Fireflite 4 door Sedan
1959 Desoto Fireflite 2 door Hardtop
The data plate shown appears to be from a 55 Coronado with the 430 paint code. The data plate on my Coronado has a "T" stamped in the model space (not "P" as listed above). These code numbers were stamped on the same plane across the plate. I wonder if an incorrect code was stamped on the plate and then XX out with the correct code being stamped out of line underneath.
Mac
Sorry for the mixup, Mac. I was going by memory which, as you can see, obviously isn't very good anymore!
You bring up an interesting point. I haven't physically seen this data plate, but I will ask Bob if he might notice that something was stamped out. I did not see anything otherwise out of the ordinary for this Coronado.
Additionally, he did find another plate in his glove box, which he also sent me a picture of. It belonged to a parts car of the previous owner, and many pieces of this car was included in the sale of the Coronado which Bob now owns. The parts car was also a Coronado, but a 432 scheme (Black body, Coronado Green sweep, Surf White roof). Unsure if the vehicle still exists. I am awaiting a reply on this.
I will follow up as I learn more. Bob's parts car data plate will make Coronado #20 on my list. Not shabby.
1955 Desoto Fireflite Coronado
1959 Desoto Fireflite 4 door Sedan
1959 Desoto Fireflite 2 door Hardtop
Jessica,
You are to be applauded for your effort chronicling all known '55 Coronados. Trying to determine the meaning of the mysterious model codes, I found the attached (hopefully!) document which is a scan of a copy of a letter sent to all DeSoto dealers announcing the '55 Coronado. You will likely find this information interesting and hopefully helpful to you as you decipher body plates and build records.
Mark
Mark,
Thanks.
I actually have a copy of that same letter you posted. I went ahead and downloaded this to my computer, though. It's always nice to have a file to pull up when my Desoto binder isn't near. This was the same document to which I discovered that the Coronado was issued it's very own body number (45) to distinguish itself. Maybe some day I can convince CHS to let me spend a week digging through their files. With this body code, it would be possible to determine that mysterious production figure.
1955 Desoto Fireflite Coronado
1959 Desoto Fireflite 4 door Sedan
1959 Desoto Fireflite 2 door Hardtop
Jessica...here's another one to add to your list if not already there:
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/2384872819.html
Good luck!
Mark
Thanks for the link, Mark.
You know, it's a very funny coincidence that you should post that this particular car was for sale. I just purchased a copy of that 1992 Car & Parts magazine article from Ebay.
I'll be sure to get in touch with Roger to see if I may add it to my database.
Thanks again!
1955 Desoto Fireflite Coronado
1959 Desoto Fireflite 4 door Sedan
1959 Desoto Fireflite 2 door Hardtop
Jessica...here's another '55 Coronado for sale:
http://medford.craigslist.org/cto/2418096343.html
Happy hunting!
Mark
Hi Jessica:
I have just joined the club after purchasing a beautiful '55 Coronado from Roger Lewis in Sacramento. Vehicle No. 50351467. I live in NC and took delivery of the car just a few days ago. Do you already have this Coronado in your data base?
