Chassis No. 60017227

Engine No. 526A-23625

Chrysler's Forward Look of the 1950s is the stuff of legends, with all of its lines exhibiting by 1957 massive amounts of chrome, great expanses of glass and steel, and sharply flared, towering tailfins that made their arrow-like profile instantly recognizable to all comers. Four lines were offered by DeSoto alone, with even the newly introduced entry-level Firesweep on its 122 inch wheelbase chassis being a well-engineered, highly detailed, and incredibly visually impressive automobile, sold in two- and four-door hardtop Sportsman models as well as a sedan and two station wagons. These were some of the most beautiful American cars of their generation, and to many eyes represent a high point in DeSoto design and craftsmanship.

This hardtop Sportsman Coupe was one of the last Firesweeps built for 1957 at the Los Angeles factory and was likely originally sold on the West Coast, hence its survival today. It is unusually outfitted with an upgraded Adventurer-specification 345 horespower Hemi V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors, a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission, manual steering and brakes, and both heater and radio delete, producing what is truly an "all-business" machine meant to go very fast in a straight line. Yet in the true tradition of the MoPar muscle cars to come, it was also restored by prior owner and longtime postwar Chrysler specialist Bob Schmidt in these eyepopping colors of Dusty Orange and Black, with a matching interior finished in a combination of flat and heat-pressed vinyl with print cloth accents. It all comes together in a truly spectacular combination that is sure to draw the eye.

The DeSoto has been driven only twelve miles since the completion of Mr. Schmidt's body-off restoration, and thanks to excellent care within the Gateway Automobile Museum since 2013, remains in essentially fresh and show-quality condition. Virtually no signs of use are visible within the engine compartment, which is utterly show-quality and finely detailed throughout, and showcases the fabulous Hemi V8 as it should be. Even the fender wells are glossy and unmarked, and the Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels still sparkle, as does all of the other chrome and gold plating on the exterior trim. The trunk is as beautifully finished as the rest of the car, and complete with correct carpets and a full-sized spare wheel and tire.

A car that, to say it casually, has great "eyeball," this is a very impressive DeSoto in colors, presentation, and equipment – suitable for concours fields or rocketing down the highway.

Collection Guarantee Disclosure

Please note that as part of a larger collection to be offered at live and online auctions, the Consignor of the Gateway Collection has been guaranteed a minimum price for certain cars, including this Lot, by Broad Arrow. Depending on the final Hammer Price obtained for those Lots, Broad Arrow may benefit financially.