73k Original Miles: 1957 DeSoto Firedome Sedan

Chrysler may never have climbed the dizzying heights to become America’s Number One vehicle manufacturer, but its contribution can’t be understated. The 1980s K-Car range changed the automotive landscape, pushing platform sharing and badge engineering to a new level. Its Hemi engines are considered by many to be the best pushrod V8s ever to find their way under the hood of a production car. However, the corporate adoption of Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” styling in the 1950s proved that vehicles didn’t need to be upright and boxy, but low, sleek, and visually striking. Many believe that 1957 marked the height of the trend, with fins yet to reach gargantuan proportions. It was against that backdrop that this DeSoto Firedome Sedan emerged. It is a survivor with 73,000 original miles on the clock, and the seller believes the time has come for it to find a new home. It deserves a close look to see what it offers potential buyers, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Ted for spotting this beauty.

DeSoto released a new Firedome range in 1957, marking a dramatic styling shift from its predecessor. The buying public had never seen anything resembling the latest model, and 23,339 people drove a Firedome 4-door sedan off the lot that year. Sadly, rushing the latest model into production created quality control issues, resulting in early cars developing significant rust within months of delivery. However, if a ’57 Firedome has survived without those problems, you are virtually guaranteed it is a good one. The first owner ordered our feature car in Code A Black, and there is no indication from the seller it has undergone repairs or restoration. The paint isn’t perfect, showing minor chips and imperfections. It would respond positively to what should be a straightforward cosmetic refresh, although the lack of visible rust makes preservation viable. Most trim items look acceptable if the new owner chooses that path, but some items will benefit from a trip to the platers. The tinted glass is free from major defects, and the whitewalls add a classy touch.

How can you go wrong with any Chrysler marque or model with a Hemi under the hood? Even the most meek and mild of these motors provided exceptional “bang for your buck,” which is demonstrated by the 341ci Version occupying this Firedome’s engine bay. It sends an impressive 270hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The 16.8-second ¼-mile ET proves that acceleration is effortless, while the first owner’s decision to tick the boxes beside power assistance for the steering and brakes means the same is true for the driving experience. The seller claims this DeSoto has a genuine 73,000 miles on the clock without mentioning verifying evidence. They also supply no information about how it runs or drives, although the visual indications are positive.

I could never describe this DeSoto’s interior as immaculate, but its originality and lack of upholstery rips ensure it is serviceable. The back seat exhibits a few stains, and it would be interesting to see whether a professional cleaner could successfully remove them. The remaining upholstered surfaces look better, although many aspects of this interior don’t rate a shot in the seller’s listing. The dash, wheel, and gauges look pretty nice, but it is unclear whether this classic features luxuries like a radio.

The seller listed this 1957 DeSoto Firedome Sedan here on Facebook Marketplace in Granger, Indiana. They set their price at $11,500 OBO, making it a relatively affordable option for Mopar enthusiasts seeking a classic that perfectly combines practicality and performance. It is worth noting that while the price looks competitive, values have climbed faster than the market average during the past three years. That could make this Firedome a solid long-term investment. It has been on the market for a week, but I doubt it will last much longer. Are you tempted to pursue it further?