DeSoto Firesweep
The DeSoto Firesweep was a passenger car manufactured by Chrysler and sold under the DeSoto brand from 1957 to 1959.
The Firesweep was similar to the other DeSoto models from 1957. Its main distinguishing feature was the substantial similarity with the competing, small Dodge models, which had the same substructure as the Firesweep. The Firesweep had DeSoto lettering on the tail fins, but the stem (in front of the bulkhead) was based on the Dodge Coronet . The easiest way to recognize the relationship was by the main headlights, whose heavy chrome “eyebrows” were typical of Dodge. The Firesweep's grille was similar to that of other contemporary DeSoto models.
The vehicle had space for 6 people. It was available as a 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon, 2-door coupe and 2-door convertible. Depending on the type of construction, the Firesweep weighed between 1660 kg and 1674 kg. Chrysler's 360 V8 engine (5791 cm³ displacement) with overhead valves fired the Firesweep and made 295 bhp (217 kW) at 4600 rpm. The basic equipment included a manual three-speed gearbox, but there was also a Torqueflite automatic. Most of the 1959 Firesweep were equipped with an automatic transmission.
The base price of the Firesweep was $ 3,169 in 1957 and two-tone paintwork was standard. The equipment also included power steering , brake booster , a clock on the dashboard, a radio with push buttons and white wall tires .
In the first year of production, 1957, most of the Firesweep were sold. Decreasing manufacturing quality at DeSoto and higher market pressure led to the discontinuation of the Firesweep at the end of 1959. 1959 Firesweep only carry the label "DeSoto".
source
- Gunnell, John (editor): The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975 , Kraus Publications (1987), ISBN 0-87341-096-3 .
