DeSoto was for many years Chrysler Corporation’s “idea car,” with Miller-inspired semi-circular grilles in the early ’30s and hidden headlights for 1942. By the 1950s, though, it was a solid upper-middle-class car. For 1952, there were two series, Deluxe and Custom, with six-cylinder engines, but at the top of the catalog was a new Fire Dome model. Fire Dome is reference to the engine name, a distinguished version of the famed Chrysler Hemi V-8 engine. Displacing 261.7-cid, it developed 160-hp with the assistance of a functional, yet subtle, fresh air hood scoop.

This 1952 Fire Dome Convertible Coupe is somewhat unusual in having a three-speed manual transmission without Fluid Drive. Other equipment includes power steering, a heater, AM radio, door-post spotlights, windshield washers and a dashboard clock.

The red paint is in very good condition, with no visible blemishes or flaws. The upholstery is tan pleated vinyl, all in very good condition and matching the tan canvas top, the latter with a matching vinyl boot.

The undercarriage and the engine compartment are very clean, the latter appropriately detailed without being overdone. The car has BFGoodrich Silvertown Polyglas wide whitewalls and full stainless wheel covers.

DeSoto built just 850 Fire Dome Convertible Coupes in 1952. This is a rare chance to acquire a very nice one. As the advertising of the era proclaimed, with apologies to Cole Porter, “it’s delightful, it’s delovely, it’s DeSoto.”