Station wagons sure evoke emotions from Americans. How many of us experienced the family truckster in our childhood? How many of us sulked when driving it once we obtained our license? And how many of us disposed of them when they no longer served a purpose? They are relics of post-war America that are part of the fold of every other pop cultural element we celebrate, which is why this 1956 DeSoto Firedome station wagon is our Pick of the Day. It is for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. (Click the link to view the listing)
In 1956, DeSoto had two models: Firedome and Fireflite, plus the new Fireflite-based Adventurer performance car. New for both series were four-door Sportsman hardtops, plus the Fireflite “Pace Setter” convertible was chosen to pace the races at the Indianapolis 500. Aside of interior trimmings, the main distinguishing factor between the two were under the hood: the Firedome was powered by a 330ci V8 with 230 horsepower with a two-barrel carb and a standard three-speed transmission, while the Fireflite offered 255 horses with a four-barrel carb and standard Powerflite automatic.
DeSoto’s only station wagon was in the Firedome series. Though coupes and sedans featured sweeping “Super-Highway” safety lights on the tail, the station wagon featured a unique, unusual design (shared with the 1956 Chrysler wagon) that looked nothing like the Super-Highway motif that would become a DeSoto trademark for several years. For that reason alone, this DeSoto Firedome station wagon, one of 2,950 built for 1956, warrants attention. Finished in Light Aqua and White, this Mopar hauler is said to have been serviced by Chris Campbell of The Vintage Connection where, according to the seller, “over $10,000 was spent on restoring the interior with a reconditioned plywood floor” plus new headliner, carpet, and door panels. “The bumpers, emblems, and trim pieces were reportedly replated by the previous owner, and the rear and side windows are also said to have been replaced,” adds the seller
It will cost you $39,900 to obtain this explorer for your tribe. With stellar Virgil Exner styling and fins that stand out even among Mopars, this 1956 DeSoto Firedome station wagon represents everything great about Detroit and American popular culture.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Beautiful car! If I had the $40k to spend I would love to have it just for the nostalgia. My neighbor had an older DeSoto when I was a kid. I just remember how quiet it was.
We had a Bkack and white car just like this same year.