1956 DeSoto Firedome FireFlite Station Wagon

Description for DeSoto FireDome 1956

Car is located in Oceanside, CA. Local pickup preferred, but I have no problem coordinating with YOUR shipper.
NOTICE...all sales are final. No warranty. No returns. No refunds. The car is being sold AS-IS.
The car is also for sale locally. I may end the auction for local sale at any time. If you want to avoid this, use the Buy It Now.
Here's the deal...There is no reserve.The starting bid is only $5,000.If you bid and are the only bidder, congratulations! YOU have bought yourself a car! If you don't want to pay, then DON'T bid. You WILL be reported.
You are looking at a very rare 1956 DeSoto Firedome Station Wagon that was built in Detroit.
Current registration and title in hand. Even the keys! Power Steering and Power Brakes.
NOTICE:
The car does NOT run or drive. It will need the engine, fuel and brake systems rebuilt.
Excellentcandidatefor a full restoration or take care of the mechanical items and drive it as is.
THIS IS A COMPLETE CAR......PLUS as much stuff as I thought I could use from another 1956 Fireflite that I stripped. That means there are back-up items, much of which are in better condition than the items on the car right now.
This includes the 330HEMI4bbl FireFlite engine that was running when I pulled it - I have started taking it apart to rebuild before putting into the wagon.This engine is COMPLETE, just needs to be rebuilt to be safe. The heads have been stripped down and checked for cracks, and are now ready to be rebuilt. The block is still assembled, but the accessories have been removed.
In addition to everything on the wagon itself, I also have a 2nd transmission, full power front seat, complete heater/core/fan assembly, complete wiper assembly, complete dash with working gauges and wiring, brake parts, cooling system, door handles (inside and out) extra stainless trim and window visor, hub caps, hood ornaments, several horn rings, steering wheel, and a complete grille assembly. Plus a bunch of other random things. All hardware is bagged and tagged.
Much of the extra trim is in great condition to replace some of the existing wagon trim.
The existing engine is the original 330 Hemi (stamped S23) with Powerflite 2 speed push-button transmission. Engine is complete, but in unknown condition. The engine does not run. The valve covers were not on the engine, so the valve train is dirty. The cylinders actually look pretty clean and carbon-free. New battery. The heads on this engine each have a crack between the valves.
Transmission buttons function smoothly and the trans fluid looks ok. Drive shaft emergency brake works good.
Very straight body. Only rust is a small spot on driver's lower rear wheel arch and a hole in driver's side floorboard. I have a brand new replacement floor pan to use.
Frame and lower sections are solid. The roof is just surface rust discoloration, no bubbling or holes.
The yellow paint will shine up. I gave it a mild CLR bath and polished the stainless and chrome.
The trim really looks good from a distance. The chrome has varying degrees of pitting, but the stainless is in good shape overall. The window trim is best, the sweep trim has a few minor dings. (I have extra pieces to replace the worst ones)
The glass is all there and in good condition - some scratches, but no chips.
The tail lights are a bit faded, but not cracked. I also have a set of front parking light clear lenses that are in great shape. (these go in the bullets on the grille that are missing in the pictures)
Complete original interior. Padded dash and accessory clock. The headliner has split at 3 seams, but no rips. It could be repaired or used as a template for a replacement. The door panels are in really good shape overall. Not missing any trim. Similar to the outside, the stainless is great and the chrome has pitting. Overall very shiny. There is some water damage at the bottom of 1 or 2 panels. The front seat cushion top layer of foam is shot, but the back is great, as are the rear seats. They look good, no rips, but are fragile. They also lay flat with ease.The windows function, as do the vent wings. The rear window rolls up and down as well - not power. All the interior stainless attached to the wood is present and in great condition. The rear corner pieces of wood will need some attention. The existing pieces will work great as a template for replacements.
I also have the Factory repair manual, original Owner's manual, dealer brochure and poster.These items are in near perfect condition.
SHIPPING will be at the BUYER's EXPENSE.
If you need the car shipped, I will be available to meet with YOUR shipper to help load the car.Most of the items will fit inside the car, although, you may want to decide if you would like the original NON-power front seat, or the FireFlite POWER front seat. Both seats will not fit inside.
The second engine I can secure on a pallet and ship it separately, if needed, at BUYER's expense. I will not charge anything for the crating, only the actual shipping cost.
ford chevy dodge chrysler nomad woody woodie mercury hot rod vintage classic galaxy impala bagged air rat custom kustom mustang cobra wide whites whitewall surf surfing surfboardratrod custom kustom rat rod lowrider low rider de soto chrysler muscle hot rod hotrod dodge hemi bagged air bags surfwagon surf surfboard beach cruiser nomad ford woodie