Lot 41: De Soto FIREDOME COUPÉ

Following Chrysler's acquisition of Dodge in 1928, the company was to produce a new marque, the De Soto. Named after the Spanish explorer, Hernando De Soto, this new line was to compete with Chrysler's archrivals, General Motors, as well as Studebaker and Willys Knight, in the mid-price class of automobiles. Whereas Chrysler were known primarily for their conventional styling in the early 1930s, the De Soto followed the burgeoning streamline route with the radical Airflow model. Both 6 and 8-cylinder engines were offered but from 1932 the 8-cylinder units were dropped and were not to feature again under a De Soto bonnet until the coming of the hemi-head Firedome V8 which appeared for 1952. The new Firedome was to be De Soto's premium line for the 1953 and 1954 ranges and its styling typified this era of American motor cars, being penned by Virgil Exner. The hemi V8 engine endowed the Firedome with a top speed of 100mph and, in spite of the weight of some 3,700lbs, acceleration was extremely brisk. Of truly stunning appearance in pink and white, this example is the Firedome Sportsman Coupé dating from 1957. The specification includes automatic transmission and push-button radio and the car is said to be an absolute joy to drive, gliding along with effortless power. The vendor acquired this car in Florida before shipping it back to the UK during 2005 and now it is being offered for sale as he is reducing his collection. Clearly well maintained over the years, we are assured that there is no rust and neither has there ever been, with the original factory spot welds being visible in all the important places, and the factory undercoating still in place. The wheels are Kelsey Hayes replicas and, along with the whitewall radial tyres, were fitted a couple of years ago at a cost of almost £5,000. The paint and trim work was carried out during 2005 at vast expense and is said to look fabulous.The car comes with an MOT certificate valid until 23rd April 2009 and is UK registered with all taxes and duties paid. This is a very rare opportunity for fans of American automobiles of the Golden Era.