1956 Desoto Firedome Sportsman

1956 Desoto Firedome Sportsman 2 Door Hard Top. 85k original miles, original interior, glass, and chrome. One of only 4,589 built in 1956. Original and rare color combination. History: Purchased new by J.M. Dean in Glendale CA from Dealer #36809. I was the 4th owner. I made many bolt on modifications to make it a more reliable and enjoyable to drive. 330 ci S23 Hemi with 230 HP and a push button automatic. Official pace car of the 1956 Indy 500. In a conspiracy the Desoto was not allowed to run in the Daytona 500 in 1956 because it was faster than its big brother the Chrysler 300 which won for the 3rd consecutive year. As a pay back the Desoto was allowed to be the pace car for the Indy 500 that same year. Desoto President L. Irving Woolson drove the car and set a pace car speed record.
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