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1956 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman 2 Door Hardtop Jump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]	View previous thread :: View next thread
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Fireflite56

Posted 2017-10-03 9:29 PM (#549728)
Subject: 1956 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman 2 Door Hardtop

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 341
100

Location: Wisconsin

99.9% complete. Crimson Red and Iridescent Gray with a black and white cloth and leather interior. Options include Jiffy Jet windshield washer, power windows and power seat. The engine runs good, the transmission goes into gear and the parking brake works, but I have not driven the the car. There is some rust, but not bad. The underside and frame are very solid. The interior is complete and mostly intact, but will need to be reupholstered. I have documentation from the original owner including owner’s certificate and pouch, as well as the first decade of registration slips. Clear title. Many more photos available. Asking $3,900. Contact David, East Troy, WI. Phone 262-745-8161. Email fireflite56@gmail.com.

Video of the car running: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKsmC-0sS1U

Edited by Fireflite56 2017-10-04 12:35 AM

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56D500boy

Posted 2017-10-03 11:02 PM (#549731 - in reply to #549728)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman 2 Door Hardtop

Expert 5K+

Posts: 9893
5000

Location: Lower Mainland BC

At that price, I would consider it a "bargoon" (assuming the transmission works). Not sure where that oil smoke was coming from. The blow-by vent at the right rear of the engine? Item 72 "Air Cleaner":

Edited by 56D500boy 2017-10-03 11:03 PM

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jboymechanic

Posted 2017-10-03 11:32 PM (#549732 - in reply to #549728)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman 2 Door Hardtop

Expert

Posts: 2196
2000

Location: Muskego, WI

Should make a nice project for somebody.

Fireflite56

Posted 2017-10-03 11:41 PM (#549733 - in reply to #549731)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman 2 Door Hardtop

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 341
100

Location: Wisconsin

56D500boy - 2017-10-03 10:02 PM

At that price, I would consider it a "bargoon" (assuming the transmission works). Not sure where that oil smoke was coming from. The blow-by vent at the right rear of the engine? Item 72 "Air Cleaner":

It was a combination of old oil burning off the engine after years of sitting and some was coming out the manifold. There is not any exhaust on the car.

jboymechanic

Posted 2017-10-04 11:19 PM (#549794 - in reply to #549728)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman 2 Door Hardtop

Expert

Posts: 2196
2000

Location: Muskego, WI

Doesn't look like it would be to terrible to make it a driver. Exhaust, tune up, fluids, brakes, tires and other rubber parts like belts and hoses. I'd drive her with pride looking just the way she does. Worst part about the car, in my opinion, is the PowerFlite trans. There is a world of difference between a TF and PF, would be a lot more fun to drive that Hemi with a true first gear. Hope if finds a good home and finds its way back onto the road.

Edited by jboymechanic 2017-10-04 11:20 PM

56D500boy

Posted 2017-10-05 1:55 AM (#549800 - in reply to #549794)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman 2 Door Hardtop

Expert 5K+

Posts: 9893
5000

Location: Lower Mainland BC

ronbo97

Posted 2017-10-05 9:52 AM (#549811 - in reply to #549800)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman 2 Door Hardtop

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Posts: 4036
2000

Location: Connecticut

This would be an outstanding project for someone with metalworking skills. The quarters look rusted out and would need replacement. Price is very fair for a running car.

Where else is the car rusted out ? Floors, trunk, rockers ? Also, I don't see a photo of the driver's side quarter. Is that rusted out as well ?

Interesting that the car is well optioned, but doesn't have a radio or clock.

Ron

Fireflite56

Posted 2017-10-05 7:14 PM (#549842 - in reply to #549728)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman 2 Door Hardtop

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 341
100

Location: Wisconsin

The driver's quarter/rocker is a bit worse than the passenger, but the floors and frame under the car are super solid. The undercoating did its job. As Jon said, it would make a solid driver for someone who didn't want to have to fully restore a car or pay restored-car money for one. I just don't have the time with one undergoing a frame-off restoration and a "driver" that also requires some TLC.

For those that aren't as familiar with these models, being a Fireflite Sportsman, the basic radio would have been standard equipment on this car. Presumably, being from the Dakota's originally (and I can't imagine they had many radio stations in '56), I would say that the original owner specifically ordered it without a radio, making it the only one I have seen ordered like this.

Edited by Fireflite56 2017-10-05 7:17 PM