1955 DeSoto Fireflite Coronado-VERY RARE

I have. with reluctance. decided to sell my very rare. very beautiful 1955 DeSoto Coronado.  Considered one of the rarest American cars of the 1950s. the Coronado was a "Spring Special" trim option on the Fireflite 4-door sedans.  While the Coronado is often viewed as a "trim line. this car actually got it's own body number separate from that of the Fireflite. This body number (#45) can be found both on build sheets and on the paint/data plate on the firewall.    All Coronados were painted in a unique three color scheme of turquoise. white and black and are significant for being among the very first tri-color cars ever made. While exact build numbers do not exist. it is generally thought no more than five hundred '55 Coronados were built. and of those. only a handful survive.  This example is certainly one of the best.  
This car came to me from California and still features the 1955 California black plate number IF83505 that it has worn for many years.  If you google 1955 DeSoto Coronado. this is usually the first example you will see.  The car has traded hands only a few times in its life and this is the first time it has ever appeared on ebay.  It has been tenderly cared for over the years and is in excellent condition both mechanically and cosmetically.  Mileage of apx. 68. 00 is believed to be correct.  
 A great deal of restoration work was done in the late '80s and 90s including an engine rebuild and good quality. correct repaint that has held up quite well.  Most of the exterior brightwork was carefully polished or re plated including both bumpers. There is some minor pitting here and there. but very little. The body is arrow straight with no dents or major imperfections.     The interior of the car is gorgeous.  It was reupholstered with NOS fabric sourced from SMS trimmed in correct white genuine leather.  This interior trim package of fabric and leather was available on no other Fireflite models. There are no rips. tears or stains in the upholstery with the exception of a small worn area in the leather on the left side of the front seat where it has abraded against the seat frame (see photo. )  Included is an extra roll of NOS fabric sufficient to recover all of the front or rear seats if the need should ever arise. Door panels are original and excellent. Headliner is original and in excellent condition. The distinctive "gullwing" dash is original and with the exception of the occasional minor scratch is in beautiful condition.  The steering wheel is original and in great shape.  ALL gauges work perfectly with the exception of the clock which kept perfect time until it stopped recently.  The speedometer registers about 5 mph fast.  Radio plays well.  Heater and defroster work fine.  Windshield wipers are a bit sluggish at times. but work OK.  Excepting the trunk light. all lights. inside and out. function as they should and the brightly illuminated dash is lovely at night.  The trunk light is currently not working and probably needs a new mercury switch. All glass is in very good condition with no signs of delamination.  The windshield is almost new and was replaced about 3 years ago.  All windows roll up & down easily.  Carpet is  nearly new.  Coker Classic radials are only a few years old and have about 5000 miles on them.  Wheel covers are like new. Spare tire has never been on the ground. The trunk retains the original checkerboard printed burtex matting material with matching checkerboard side panels which is somewhat faded and stained.  This has been covered with a black carpet insert to preserve the original burtex matting.  I was never able to locate the correct material to reline the trunk. The trunk carpet is not permanently attached and can be easily removed if the next owner wishes to do so.  It looks nice and is functional. but is not correct.   
A partial list of work that has been done to the car within the last few thousand miles includes:
New leaf springs and rear bushings. nbsp;swaybar built for rear which has greatly improved stability and handling. new front coil springs. all new shocks. all new seals and bearings (NOS). new shoes for front and rear brakes. new exhaust from manifolds to tips. new radiator core with added A pass (to prevent overheating). new fuel pump (NOS). Petronix ignitor electronic ignition for 6-V positive ground. . Petronix 45. 00 volt coil. new 8mm wire set. Rebuilt generator and starter.   The 291 cid Firedome hemi V-8 coupled with a 4 barrel carburetor produces 200 hp and runs beautifully.  Plenty of power for easy driving at modern highway speeds. Two speed automatic PowerFlite transmission (operated with the nifty "Flite-Control" lever on the dash) shifts smoothly and effortlessly.  Engine was rebuilt less than 15. 00 miles ago.  This Coronado has been meticulously maintained to be a dependable driver.   It has appeared in numerous publications and was featured in CARS AND PARTS Sept. . 1992 and on the Cover of COLLECTIBLE AUTOMOBILE August. 988.   Pictures in COLLECTIBLE AUTOMOBILE August 2008 and COLLECTIBLE AUTOMOBILE April. 2013.

This is without question one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned.   It always starts easily and never runs hot even after idling in slow traffic for long periods on hot summer days.   It comfortably seats six adults and will happily cruise at highway speeds for hours on end.  It is driven at least once or twice weekly year round.   To my knowledge there is absolutely NOTHING that needs attention mechanically.  Keep in mind of course that this is a 58 year old vehicle and I am NOT implying any guarantees.  I can say with complete honesty that I would not hesitate to get in this DeSoto now and drive cross country.  It is that dependable and reliable.  
The Coronado comes with a wide assortment of extra exterior trim pieces (some NOS) that were collected by the owner previous to myself.  In addition there is a custom car cover. original owners manual and original shop manual.  
I have described this car as accurately and honestly as I can.   I would encourage you to inspect it in person if you are able or I am happy to work with an independent inspector if you arrange an inspection.  I am located in Durham. NC only 20 minutes from a major international airport (RDU. ) If you wish to fly in to see the Coronado I will be happy to pick you up at the airport. Foreign buyers are welcome.  
I have set a very reasonable reserve and hope this beautiful. rare car. often called the "ultimate in 1950s glitz". finds a new home with someone who will appreciate and care for her as I and previous owners have.  You will not be disappointed.  I will require a $1000. 00 down payment via PayPal or wire transfer within 48 hours of the end of the auction.  Balance to be paid by wire transfer or certified check within 5 days.  Shipping is entirely the responsibility of the buyer.  I reserve the right to end the auction early.  
I will answer all questions as quickly as I can through ebay. or you may call me between 9 a. m. and 9 p. m. at 919-949-3311

Also published at eBay.com

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