1955 DeSoto Fireflite S21 Convertible RARE

1955 DeSoto Fireflite Convertible Additional Info:

1955 DESOTO FIREFLITE S21 CONVERTIBLE - RARE - RARE - RARE
I purchased this vehicle from the son of the original owner. The car was parked in their garage from 1983 until I bought it last year after his mother had passed. I purchased the vehicle with the intent to do a full restoration - we freshened up the engine, new brakes, new leather interior, new carpet, new power top and rear window, new dual exhaust, new w/whitewall radials, trunk kit still in box. The vehicle still needs the exterior restoration, I actually had it at the body shop and pulled it out to put another car in ahead of it. The car runs and drives well. The body and underneath is solid and the only rust that I was able see was around both rear wheel wells as shown in the photos (other than minor surface rust). It looks to be the original Surf White and Carnival Red paint.
The original owner decided to take the emblems off of the trunk and hood but I have bought everything needed to replace them along with other parts for the restoration which will be included with the sale. (the black plastic insert is only fair but I am told they are being reproduced later this year)
"Desoto introduced the Fireflite to market in 1955 as the company’s flagship model. Dramatic new styling was part of Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” with a lower front hood scoop and a separately mounted hood ornament. The grille now featured floating running lights at the ends and the bumper guards were integrated as part of the grille “teeth.” Larger tail lights were placed at the rear with a reshaped bumper that was molded to mimic the shape of the body and accentuated to the new incredibly stylish appearance. Power for all 1955 DeSoto models was centered on the newly enlarged HEMI V8, now displacing 291ci over the 276 version featured in the 1954 models. While the new power plant was featured in all 1955 DeSoto models, the Fireflite was the only one to receive the early HEMI in S21 specification, with a four barrel carburetor that pushed out 200hp. DeSoto’s new flagship was available in four different configurations with the two-door convertible being the most stylish. Only 775 were built for 1955, making the Fireflite Convertible a very sought after 50’s Classics from the Chrysler family"
The vehicle is located in Cincinnati Ohio and we urge you to come, inspect and test drive it to make sure it meets with your approval. The vehicle is being sold "as-is" where is and there are no warranties expressed, written or implied. If you have questions or need additional photos, please let me know.
The vehicle is being advertised locally and can be pulled from the auction at anytime. Buyers with less than a 15 positive history must contact me prior to bidding.