Saleofcar.com :DeSoto

DeSoto Firesweep Explorer Station Wagon (1959)
for sale

Price: US $14,500.00

Description:

I have a 1959 DeSoto Firesweep Explorer 9-passenger Station Wagon for sale.
DeSoto produced 1179 Firesweep 9-passenger wagons in 1959. There are not many left; there are currently just 8 known VINs collected by the National DeSoto Club, and in the last 12 years I have only seen three for sale.
This wagon was found sitting in a storage lot - unmoved - for at least a dozen years. While it is a remarkably clean, dry, straight and mostly-complete Colorado vehicle - even though I had to pay a considerable sum to get it - it was in very rough shape when I first brought it home.
The car now starts every time, runs great, shifts perfectly, and stops very well. It does get around town, but in order to call it a daily driver, it would need some more TLC. Follows is a description of the car and a partial list of what I have done to get it where it is now.
- The car is 95% rust-free. Front floors are perfect originals - no rot whatsoever. The rear footwell for the rearward-facing seat is crusting and flaking rust from the inside, but it does not need replacement. The only other places for body rust - visible or otherwise - are the bottom inch of the driver's side quarter and one spot on the lower passenger door.
- The car is exceptionally straight with no evidence of collision. There are light dents and dings throughout, the largest of which is on the driver's fender... It's a 10 minute job with a stud gun.
- All chrome and original trim is present and in very good-to-excellent shape overall. The rear bumperettes are starting to rot as they always do, but still present well. No heavy pitting anywhere.
- All OEM glass is present. All side glass is very good. Tailgate glass has scratches from going up and down. Windshield is clear and usable, one 1 rock ding notwithstanding.
- Car was originally equipped with a 361 engine, but there was no engine when I acquired the car. Now there is a very good-running 1963 361 with recent tune, later OEM 4-bbl manifold, rebuilt Carter AFB, MSD coil, Pertronix, rebuilt alternator, new starter, etc. The original 1959 air cleaner was sightly modified to fit the 4-bbl and clear all the linkage.
- The original cast-iron 488 transmission was discarded and a rare 1962-only C-body push-button 727 transmission with parking brake drum was installed. It was completely rebuilt - including the converter, parking brake drum and shoes - by local 727 expert Larry Christiansen. Mated to the original '59 pushbuttons (and newer cables that do not leak) and parking brake lever.
- The steering box was shot. It was completely remachined, rebuilt and revalved by Steer and Gear in Columbus, OH. An NOS Moog centerlink was fitted as well, and there are new shocks front and rear.
- All door latches, handles, and window regulators were either repaired or replaced (not a SINGLE one functioned when I got the car) and are now functional. An NOS MoPar power tailgate window cylinder & key was fitted; the power tailgate window motor repaired, and all three operating switches now work.
- Rubber and Interior items were severely decayed. New window fuzzies and channels were installed on all four doors. All new door weatherstrips installed. Armrests recovered. New custom carpet. Beautiful new front seat upholstery and foam done in stock appearance. Back two seats are hardened somewhat and need cleaning but are in good visual condition.
- New dual exhaust system front to back
- Old wiring was cooked. A 1963 engine wiring harness was adapted along with 60's vintage horn relay, voltage regulator, starter relay, key cylinder, etc. Brand new battery.
- Leaking gas tank was removed, welded up, tested, and then sealed inside - There are NO leaks. An NOS pickup/sending unit was fitted, as was a new fuel line and filter.
- New AAJ disk brake conversion kit up front (with all new parts), and new wheel cylinders rear. New master cylinder, some lines, and all rubber brake hoses. Original power brake booster and tank are included with the car but will need rebuild and are not currently installed.
- Roof rail pinchweld seam cleaned out and resealed with self-leveling 3M seam sealer
- Brand-new PERFECT reproduction tailight lenses from George Laurie in Australia...
- Clean, clear Colorado title in my name.
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97 detailed, top-and-bottom pictures of the car can be seen by clicking HERE.
A walkaround video of the car can be seen by clicking HERE.
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The car obviously needs more to be usable daily. It has great Southwestern patina, but if you're inclined it does need paint. The four tires are old bias plys that need replaced. Hubcaps are incorrect '59 Dodge units. Heater box has been bypassed, I have no clue if any of it is functional - I haven't even tried. Needs a radio or delete plate. Dash needs painted or recovered. Gauges function intermittently - all underdash wiring and gauges need gone through. Needs kick-panels. Door panels are originals in presentable but decaying condition. Needs headliner; bows included with car. Car still wanders down the road somewhat and will need front end bushings replaced. Ring and pinion are on their way out (loud) but a good 8 3/4 center chunk is included.
I would expect a fully restored one of these to bring 40k or more. This car is a good start in that direction for a reasonable price - It should be clear by my description that I have more invested in it than what I'm asking.
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I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Due to the scourge of unsolicited telemarketers, please send me a message and I will gladly give you my phone number.
Shipping is buyer's responsibility; I will assist any way I can. It will easily drive onto any car hauler.
I require a $1000 Paypal deposit at time of sale. Balance in cash, certified check or wire transfer within 5 working days unless arrangements are made in advance. No Exceptions.
Car is represented to the best of my ability and sold as-Is, where is.
Lastly
- I have sold many vintage MoPars here on eBay - so please view my
16 STRAIGHT YEARS
of
100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK
and
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE.

Thank you!

_{update: 2016-01-08}