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In 1956 a gold and white Fireflite convertible was the Official Pace Car for the 1956 Indianapolis 500. While no official production figures for the pacesetter convertibles was ever released, research from National DeSoto Club members has narrowed it down to between 390 and 426 produced.
At its height, DeSoto's more popular models included the Firesweep, Firedome and Fireflite. The DeSoto Adventurer, introduced for 1956 as a high-performance hard-top coupe (similar to Chrysler's 300), became a full-range model in 1960. In 1955, [6] along with all Chrysler models, DeSotos were redesigned with Virgil Exner's "Forward Look ...
In 1955, Chrysler dropped its 6-cylinder DeSoto Powermaster series and added the topline Fireflite series, pushing the Firedome down to entry level status. Still, the Firedome was not a cheap offering, retaining its V8 engine, but increasing the 276 c.i. displacement to 291 c.i. with a larger bore, a power boost to 185 horsepower, [6] and coming with a host of features and interior upgrades ...
1960 DeSoto Adventurer. The DeSoto Adventurer is a full-sized automobile that was produced by DeSoto from 1956 through the 1960 model year. Introduced as a four-seat high-performance sports coupe concept car, [1] the Adventurer ended up being DeSoto's special, limited-production, high-performance model, similar to the more luxurious and exclusive "letter series" Chrysler 300 and Chrysler Saratoga.
1956: DeSoto Fireflite: L.I. Woolson: Tony Hulman: 1957: Mercury Turnpike Cruiser: F.C. Reith: Tony Hulman 1958: Pontiac Bonneville: Sam Hanks* Tony Hulman 1959: Buick Electra 225: Sam Hanks* Tony Hulman 1960: Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight: Sam Hanks* Tony Hulman 1961: Ford Thunderbird: Sam Hanks* Tony Hulman 1962: Studebaker Lark Daytona Convertible ...
DeSoto Airstream (1935–1936) DeSoto Series S (1937–1942) (S-1 through S-10, except the Airstream and Airflow) DeSoto Custom (1946–1952) DeSoto Deluxe (1946–1952) DeSoto Diplomat (1946-1961) DeSoto Firedome (1952–1959) DeSoto Powermaster (1953–1954) DeSoto Fireflite (1955–1960) DeSoto Adventurer (1956–1960) DeSoto Firesweep (1957 ...
The 300 convertible was now demoted to the Sport Series, and was the official pace car for the 1963 Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, and the car could be provided with exterior markings on commercially sold cars, where it was marketed as the 300 Pacesetter, an approach previously used on the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite Pacesetter. [35]
The 40th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Wednesday, May 30, 1956. The event was part of the 1956 USAC National Championship Trail and was also race 3 of 8 in the 1956 World Championship of Drivers. The 1956 race was the first to be governed by the United States Automobile Club.