1957 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman

Park this heart-stopping 1957 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman next to a '57 Chevy and the Chevy starts to look positively ordinary in comparison. With long, sweeping lines, killer...

Park this heart-stopping 1957 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman next to a '57 Chevy and the Chevy starts to look positively ordinary in comparison. With long, sweeping lines, killer fins, and a robust 341 cubic inch Hemi under the hood, Chrysler was most definitely at the top of their game with this car. Just one look at the spectacular Fiesta Red flanks on this Fireflite Sportsman will convince you that while excess was still in fashion, it was knowing where to put it that was important. This Desoto has received a frame-off restoration that is absolutely breathtaking in person. The bodywork is exceptionally well done (and it has to be with those giant fins, there's nowhere for inferior work to hide), and the car is magnificently presented. In 1957, the horsepower races had already started, and Chrysler was at the head of the pack with their Hemi powerplants. In the Desoto Fireflite, it was a 341 cubic inch Hemi that used a single 4-barrel carburetor to make a very stout 295 horsepower, enough to push these gorgeous cars to more than 125 MPH. The standard transmission in the Fireflite Sportsman is a 3-speed TorqueFlite feeding a 3.36-geared rear end. The rest of the chassis is spectacularly detailed, from the Fiesta Red floors to the satin black frame and all the correctly finished parts in between. True-dual exhaust was part of the program for the Fireflite, and a complete system has been fabricated to factory specifications on this car, giving it a subtle, yet authoritative voice. And the wheels are comprised of gorgeous chrome wires that spin 15-inch wide whitewall radials. Desoto died in 1961, but they enjoy a very strong support network and with their Chrysler connection, parts are plentiful and easy to find. They're also considerably harder to find than their Dodge and Plymouth siblings, which will make this Fireflite the hit of any show, even the Mopar Nationals. Call, click or visit http://RKMotorsCharlotte.com for more information.