DeSoto Fireflite
The DeSoto Fireflite was the brand's flagship, showcasing Virgil Exner's dramatic 'Forward Look' styling and powerful Hemi V8 engines. Today, its market value varies widely, with pristine convertibles and hardtops commanding top dollar while sedans remain accessible.
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DeSoto Fireflite prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | $20k | $11k–$40k | 4 | 3 |
| 1956 | $41k | $31k–$79k | 6 | 1 |
| 1957 | $68k | – | 2 | 0 |
| 1959 | $31k | – | 1 | 1 |
| 1960 | $23k | – | 2 | 7 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
Introduced in 1955, the Fireflite served as DeSoto's top-tier model, embodying Chrysler's bold "Forward Look" design language. Penned by Virgil Exner's team, its dramatic styling, prominent tailfins, and two-tone paint schemes were a sensation. Under the hood, early models featured the Firedome Hemi V8, giving these large cars impressive performance for the era.
Collectors prize the Fireflite for its quintessential 1950s American style. The fins grew more extravagant with each model year, peaking with the 1957-1959 models, which are highly sought after. Convertibles and two-door hardtops are the most desirable body styles, especially when equipped with features like the push-button TorqueFlite transmission and factory air conditioning. Due to DeSoto's demise in 1961, these cars represent the peak of a now-defunct American brand.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest enemy. Thoroughly inspect the floors, trunk pan, rocker panels, and the areas behind the headlight and taillight bezels, as water gets trapped there.
- The complex chrome and stainless trim pieces are unique and extremely difficult to source. A car with complete and straight brightwork will save thousands in restoration costs.
- Early Hemi and later wedge V8s are robust, but parts can be expensive. Check for signs of overheating and listen for unusual noises. Ensure the push-button TorqueFlite transmission operates smoothly in all gears.
- Body style is everything for value. Convertibles and two-door hardtops command significant premiums, while four-door sedans and wagons are far more affordable but have a smaller collector audience.
244 DeSoto Fireflite vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 12 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings, including Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby’s and eBay Motors. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many DeSoto Fireflite listings are for sale right now?
There are 12 DeSoto Fireflite listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.