Saleofcar.com :DeSoto

DeSoto Firedome (1956)
for sale

Price: US $500.00

Description:

1956 Desoto Firedome 2 Door Coupe 331 Hemi
The reserve is only enough to rebuild a Jeep transmission and put a clutch in a Subaru. If fact it's less than I originally paid for the car.
This beauty sat in a field for 25 years and has the bullet holes to prove it. I have had it in storage for 5 years and can no longer store it. I wrecked my back in the Navy and it has only gotten worse, so my time with this piece of American history must come to an end.
The farmer that I bought it from started the motor. So it does run, however I would not recommend it until it has had a minimum of bearings, rings and seals. I will not attempt to start it, the fuel tank has been removed and refinished with POR15 products, inside and out. Besides I won't risk spinning a bearing and or destroying the block. All the parts necessary to rebuild a hot little Hemi are readily available. I have a later model OE 4 barrel manifold that will be included if the buyer is interested. The mileage is unknown. I was told that the speedometer did not work so the miles reflected are not accurate.
There is a significant dent behind the drivers door that was covered by mud, weeds, and a large hornets nest. MOST of the bondo has been removed, unfortunately whoever did the bodywork thought more holes was the way to go. It has rust in the usual places. Lower rear quarters, lower rear front fenders, passenger side floor pan is flintstoned, drivers side is a little better. The body trim holes were filled with some sort of putty, but are easy to drill out. For the most part the body has very little other damage. Aside from surface rust and 12 different colors of paint. I think the original color was dutch blue. Parts are available for the mechanical restoration, it shares many parts with more popular Chrysler products of the era. The only hard to find part will be the windshield. They pop up every so often but are expensive.
The entire car has to be rewired for safety. Aside from some creative wiring, the old insulation is beyond its useful life.
The interior is complete and critter free. It has been in climate controlled storage. It reflects a hard life. It had been partially disassembled by the previous owner and parts are in buckets. Unsorted and unlabeled. There was a trunk load (a 1956 Desoto trunk is very large) of miscellaneous parts and spares when I purchased the car. It has been de -spidered and non Desoto parts removed.
Please bear in mind that this is a 59 year old car that was not maintained or worked on by a car person. There is surface rust everywhere, chrome is showing its age, emblems need to be repainted, and it is very heavy, probably around 3800 lbs. BUT, it is the one of the most beautiful, elegant automobiles to come out of Detroit. At least to me. If you are looking for something unique, then this is it. While not rare by most Chrysler standards, you certainly don't see one every day.
Our plan was to rewire and mechanically restore the car and drive it. Then progress into a mild 50's style custom. It is a sound foundation for many years of fun. We love this car and hate to see it go. It got real dusty when we took the pictures. If I could I would keep this car in storage forever. If you are local and need some help I would be glad to. If at all possible we would love to see updates. Hopefully you will get her on the road and drive to the coast. She has always wanted to see the ocean.
More pictures: here I would be happy to take pictures of specific areas or answer any questions that you have before bidding on your new American Classic.
Thank you for looking. Happy bidding.
$200.00 DEPOSIT REQUIRED WITHIN 48 HOURS OF WINNING BID. Paypal is fine for the deposit, however I would prefer cash, postal money order, or cashier's check for the balance.
If you need it shipped then you arrange shipping within 48 hours of sale. I cannot store it where it is now. Bring a trailer with a winch, the car does not drive. Please be sure that the tow vehicle is suitable to tow the trailer and a 4000lb car. USED CAR, AS IS, NO WARRANTY, SALE IS FINAL, NO RETURNS.

_{update: 2015-05-05}