Imagine being a car brand stuck in the middle of a hierarchy, with the more expensive sibling consistently selling better than you. Would this be sustainable in a rapidly converging market? That’s the story of DeSoto, and our Pick of the Day is the DeSoto model that gave the brand a lifeline: the 1957 DeSoto Firesweep Sportsman. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a shop out of Stratford, Connecticut. (Click the link to view the listing)
Where does DeSoto fit in the collector car world? Tons of folks are into Plymouth, Dodge, and Chrysler models, but DeSoto doesn’t always garner the same love. Introduced for the 1929 model year, DeSoto sat above Plymouth (also new for 1929) and below Dodge, which sat just below Chrysler. However, for 1933, the Chrysler Corporation switched the market positioning of Dodge and DeSoto, with the latter now functioning as a cheaper alternative to Chrysler. Through 1961, this would be the case.
In 1950, DeSoto introduced the Sportsman, joining the “hardtop convertible” bandwagon a year after General Motors introduced the style for Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac. Starting in 1953, the Sportsman became a submodel that signified the hardtop body style as DeSoto created models distinguished by its engines, with the hemi-head V8 model designated as Fire Dome and the straight six model now called Powermaster.
For 1955, with Virgil Exner’s Forward Look, DeSoto ditched the six-cylinder Powermaster and added the Fireflite to the top, with a special performance-oriented Adventurer added at the top for 1956. During this era, DeSoto sales lagged Chrysler sales despite Chrysler being a more prestigious brand. While the same could be said for Oldsmobile and Buick during the same era, both of those brands were selling well into the hundreds of thousands of units, so it wasn’t an issue.
After the introduction of the redesigned 1957 models with “Flight Sweep” styling, DeSoto debuted a “big value newcomer” called the Firesweep. This new low-line series was basically a Dodge body and chassis featuring DeSoto styling, through the Dodge’s brow that characterized the Firesweep’s front end was distinct from other DeSoto models, plus the optional quad headlights were not available for this model. This gave DeSoto sales a jolt that it needed, though DeSoto failed to surpass Chrysler in sales, being short by only several thousand units. However, quality issues that hurt the reputation of Chrysler Corporation products, combined with a 1958 recession that hit the medium-priced segment, ruined DeSoto’s momentum. By the end of 1960, just after the 1961s had been introduced, DeSoto was dropped.
This 1957 DeSoto Firesweep Sportsman was the cheapest way to get striking DeSoto styling in a sporty hardtop. Since it’s based on a Dodge, this Firesweep is powered by a 245-horsepower polysphere 325 two-barrel, though a four-barrel upped the power to 260. Compare that with the 345 horses available for the 345ci Adventurer. “The vehicle’s exterior, with its classic two-tone paint scheme and iconic tailfins, stands as a testament to the era’s design philosophy,” says the seller. “Inside, the cabin is well-preserved, offering a nostalgic yet comfortable driving experience; the original seat upholstery is in phenomenal condition, as is the headliner and dash.” Yes, this one has push-button Torque-Flite too!
This Firesweep Sportsman has been preserved in the hands of a Mopar collector for decades and is ready for a new life of exercise and adoration in the garage. Considering the exorbitant prices of some Forward Look cars, we think this 1957 DeSoto may be a bargain at $42,000.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com