DeSoto Firesweep
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| DeSoto Firesweep | |
|---|---|
 1958 DeSoto Firesweep 4-door Sportsman | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | DeSoto (Chrysler) |
| Also called | DeSoto Diplomat (export) |
| Production | 1957–1959 |
| Assembly | Los Angeles (Maywood) Assembly United States Australia |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 2-door convertible 4-door station wagon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Chrysler Windsor Dodge Coronet Plymouth Belvedere |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 325 cu in (5.3 L) V8[1] 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8[1] 361 cu in (5.9 L) V8[1] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | DeSoto Firedome |
The DeSoto Firesweep is an automobile that was produced by DeSoto from 1957 through 1959.[2][3]
The Firesweep was a lower-priced entry that combined a Dodge shell and chassis (which featured a 122-inch wheelbase, four inches shorter than that of the senior DeSotos) with a DeSoto bumper and grill. 1957 models were sold only as imports in Canada.[4] While the Firesweep featured DeSoto's signature tailfins, the front clip (the front section, forward of the firewall) was based on the Dodge Coronet. The most telling feature was the headlight design, housed under heavily chromed lids typical of Dodge. Firesweep grilles were similar to those on other contemporary DeSoto models.
The Firesweep could seat six passengers. It was available initially as a four-door sedan, four-door station wagon, two-door hardtop and four-door hardtop.[1] A convertible was added for 1958.[1] Depending on the body style, Firesweeps weighed between 3,660 and 3,980 pounds (1,660 and 1,810 kg). The base price of the Firesweep (1957) was US$3,169 and it was offered in one and two-tone exterior finishes. Features included power steering, power brakes, dashboard clock, push-button radio and whitewall tires.
1957 DeSoto Firesweep 4 Door Sedan
1958 DeSoto Firesweep 2 Door Sportsman
1959 DeSoto Firesweep 4 Door Explorer
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Production and sales
The first year of the car’s production, 1957, was the best year for Firesweep sales. A decline in DeSoto quality and increasing market pressures led to the end of the Firesweep’s production at the end of the 1959 model year. During 1959 Firesweep cars carried only DeSoto external nameplates.
For 1960, DeSoto automobiles came in two series:Fireflite and the Adventurer.
The final Desoto model, lacking a series name, was offered for the 1961 model year. DeSoto production ended in November 1960.
