Lot 201

The Charlie Thomas Collection

1956 DeSoto Fireflite Indy Pacesetter Convertible

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$115,500 USD | Sold

United States | Grapevine, Texas

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Chassis No.
50383348

255 hp, 330 cu. in. OHV Hemi V-8 engine, Carter four-barrel carburetor, pushbutton three-speed automatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, semi-elliptic rear springs with live axle, and hydraulic four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 126 in.

About 400 pacesetters were built for public by DeSoto, with dealers being issued stencils to duplicate the body-side lettering seen at Indianapolis. This rare example has been restored and shows evidence of a good life. Modern vinyl lettering now adorns the white exterior, and the external brightwork is straight and shows well. The vinyl top has been replaced and fits well, as does the upholstery. Seats and door panels are gold vinyl with brown tweed inserts, and the carpeting is black with gold Lurex flecks. The dash is restored with a rare Highway Hi-Fi 45 record player and clean gauges. The odometer indicates 16,877 miles and has been driven about 100 miles since joining the collection a decade ago. Other highlights include a power top, seat, and steering, dual power rear antennae, a detailed trunk and undercarriage, and four new gold hubcaps. Very few pacesetters have been offered on the market over the past twenty years, so this car’s availability is an opportunity not to be missed.