1958 De Soto Fireflite Sportsman Two-Door Hardtop

Chrysler's De Soto brand issued some of its most compelling cars near the end of its run. An all V-8 model line, innovative Chrysler engineering, and bold Forward Look design made the mid- and late-1950s De Sotos quite appealing. From a business viewpoint, however, Chrysler had one too many brands, and De Soto was dropped in 1961. Although it shared its 126-inch-wheelbase chassis and basic body shell with the Chrysler Saratoga, the 1958 De Soto Fireflite Sportsman two-door hardtop offered here possessed its own charms. Under the Fireflite's hood, Chrysler's new 361-cu.in. wedge V-8 was just as powerful as the 354 Hemi still used in the Saratoga, but was simpler to build and maintain, and a bit lighter. Just 3,284 Fireflite Sportsman hardtop coupes were built in 1958. This one was originally purchased at Reedman Chrysler in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, that July, and is said to be even rarer as a Spring Special limited edition featuring exclusive exterior trim. - he purchased the car in 2019 from the estate of the second owner, who had owned it since 1971. - the De Soto as an older restoration with a solid body and a recent powertrain rebuild, and he provides documentation for work done since 1974. Chrysler's all-new B-series 361-cu.in. wedge V-8 was standard in the 1958 Fireflite, with the Sportsman getting the four-barrel carburetor version rated at 305 horsepower when new. - the engine is original with one rebuild in 2016 (now with about 525 miles on it), with documentation included. - a reliable cold start with no smoke, advising that it may take 1-3 pumps of the accelerator pedal if the car has not been used for more than a week. Further, the engine settles into a smooth, proper idle. The TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission, which uses pushbutton controls, is said to work perfectly, and he reports zero leaks or weeps for the engine and drivetrain. I have documentation of a frame-off restoration done in 1985 and a repaint and re-chroming in 2003. Photos provided show those finishes still appearing to be in excellent condition. The elegant Pearl White and Smoke Gray was one of a staggering 86 two-tone combinations available for the 1958 Fireflite. - very minor paint chips on the driver's door edge, but affirms the car has no dents. Some minor surface oxidation is seen on the car's underside, in the photos. Offered as an attempt to boost sales during the 1958 recession, the Spring Special edition featured specific machined aluminum side panels and stainless-steel rocker panel moldings, plus eight vertical chrome bars on the trunk lid, 's research. All glass is said to be original to the car and in great shape, with windows working properly. - the beautiful bubble canopy glass offers great visibility for the driver and the passengers. Seals are affirmed to be doing their job, with no leaks reported. All lights are affirmed to work, with the tri-tower taillights giving a distinct nighttime signature - The artistry of this De Soto's design also comes through in the cabin, where the plush, perforated headliner is trimmed by chrome strips to mimic the bows of a convertible roof. The headliner in this car is said to be original, and it appears to be in very good condition. This car is equipped with the optional six-position front power seat, which works perfectly. Upholstery likewise appears to be in very good condition, with no rips or discoloration seen, only minor disjoint for about two inches were fabric meets the gray vinyl in the back of the driver's seat and all original interior trim is said to remain in place. - the carpeting was replaced in 2003. The heat, all gauges, and interior lights are said to work, but the original radio in the dash does not. - the car has his original rubber matt with De Soto raised letters. - The 1958 De Soto featured Chrysler's Torsion-Aire Ride suspension using front torsion bars and an asymmetrical rear leaf spring setup to give generally better agility than other American cars of the period. The seller affirms that all suspension components are working properly, that bushings are in good shape, and shocks are not leaking. Wheels are believed to be original and are said to be in very good condition, and the wide-whitewall tires are believed to be seven years old with about 80-percent tread remaining. The trunk houses the spare. No issues or leaks are reported for the power-assisted steering or alignment. The four-wheel power-assist drum brakes are reported to work well, with no leaks. Additional documentation includes a copy of the original build card. Uncommon when new, the 1958 Fireflite Sportsman Spring Special offered an undeniable combination of elegance and sportiness. A real rarity today, this 1958 De Soto Fireflite Sportsman two-door hardtop is said to run as good as it looks, seemingly making it a dreamboat for cruising and shows.