6T-FinSeeker Posted March 14, 2023 Share Posted March 14, 2023 (edited) For sale on Facebook: 1957 DeSoto Firesweep Sportsman 2-door Hardtop in West Branch, IA - $29,000 - Call Jan: 31 nine 27 zero 76 five 0 - No Text On 4/7, Seller reduced price to $27,000 Link: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/897161878150299/1957-DeSoto-Firesweep-Sportsman Seller's Description: 1957 DeSoto Firesweep Sportsman 2-door Hardtop Very good condition Driven 47,125 miles Automatic transmission Exterior color: Green · Interior color: Green 1957 DESOTO FIRESWEEP SPORTSMAN 2 DOOR HARDTOP (NOT A PLYMOUTH) VERY RARE ORIGINAL PAINT AND STAINLESS SIDE TRIM ON THIS SPORTSMAN FIRESWEEP! NO 2 TONE PAINT SCHEME ON THIS SCARCE AND EXTRAORDINARY SEXY RIDE! THIS TAMARACK GREEN AND STAINLESS TRIM LOOK EXTREMELY HOT COMPARABLY. THIS HUGE TAIL FINNED SMOOTH CRUISER RUNS GREAT AND RIDES LIKE A DREAM. THIS FIRESWEEP SPORTSMAN ONLY HAS 47,125 MILES ON IT & WAS BUILT IN DETROIT. IT SPENT MOST OF IT’S LIFE IN CALIFORNIA. IT’S ALWAYS BEEN GARAGE KEPT. IT COMES EQUIPPED WITH A 325 C.I. MOTOR WITH HYDRAULIC LIFTERS, 2 BARREL CARB AND 245 HP. IT HAS A 3 ON THE TREE SHIFTER AND TRANNY. PUSH BUTTON TRANNY DELETE ON THE DASH. IT’S GOT A 3.921 REAR AXLE. IT HAS TORSIONAIRE SUSPENSION AND A GREAT RIDE. IT HAS NO POWER BRAKES OR STEERING BUT THEY WORK GREAT. THE TIRES ARE GOOD. THE ORIGINAL EXHAUST CAME OUT THE PORT HOLES IN THE BUMPER. IT NOW COMES OUT THE REAR CORNERS UNDERNEATH & SOUNDS GREAT. THE BUMPERS, TRIM AND BODY LOOK GREAT. THE PAINT IS GETTING THIN BUT IS STILL PRESENTABLE. IT HAS SPECIAL ORDER HUB CAPS. THE REAR SEAT NEAR THE TOP HAS A SEAM STARTING TO COME APART BUT THE REST OF THE INTERIOR IS BEAUTIFUL! IT HAS THE SPECIAL HARDTOP TRIMMED HEADLINER WHICH IS IN GREAT SHAPE. ALL THE LIGHTS WORK. THE WINDOWS ALL WORK WELL. THE SPEEDOMETER DOESN’T CURRENTLY WORK GREAT. THE ODOMETER DOES WORK WELL. THE GAS TANK HAS BEEN UNPROFESSIONALLY REPAIRED WHERE THE FILLER NECK GOES INTO THE TANK. THE UNDERSIDE OF THIS VEHICLE LOOKS GREAT! THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO BE CRUISING IN A SUPER COOL BIG WINGED RIDE THAT WILL GET THUMBS UP EVERYWHERE YOU GO. IT IS PURE FUN & ENJOYMENT! BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSPORT. ONLY WIRE TRANSFER OR CASH ARE ACCEPTED AS PAYMENT. THE CAR IS IN WEST BRANCH, IOWA NEXT TO I-80. Edited May 24, 2023 by 6T-FinSeeker update status (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6T-FinSeeker Posted March 14, 2023 Author Share Posted March 14, 2023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6T-FinSeeker Posted March 14, 2023 Author Share Posted March 14, 2023 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrumBob Posted March 14, 2023 Share Posted March 14, 2023 I guess this car is really great. The seller used the word "great" eight times. Looks like it's leaking out of the differential. That's not so great. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingrudy Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 Nice looking car, I was hoping to see something in a two tone. Very nice but for the differential. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bryankazmer Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 I think this one left the factory as monotone. A second piece of lower stainless was added to separate the leading edge of the insert on two-tone cars. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 I love the visual impact of this car. It's so uncommon to see the two door hardtops without two tone paint. The pretty sage green color helps pull it off. Somehow it kind of enhances the sleek lines. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Wildeisen Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 I have always thought the front bumper was a little heavy in design on these cars. 80% of the front end is the bumper, bumper is also the grill. To much bumper. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5219 Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 Wasn't this same car here a month or two ago? How many three-speed manual 1957 Firesweeps could there be? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 Cool original, LOVE those fins but get rid of those da*n loud mufflers. An awful lot of money for a low content car. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingrudy Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=DeSoto+models+of+1957&fr=yfp-t&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmomentcar.com%2Fimages%2Fdesoto-firesweep-1957-4.jpg#id=0&iurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmomentcar.com%2Fimages%2Fdesoto-firesweep-1957-4.jpg&action=click This page makes me wonder if this car is missing some trim and was painted one color to make it seem right. I am no expert on DeSotos, but the monotone is unusual. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 55er Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 Unique seldom seen model, seller claims original paint and I think it's legit. Mopar collision book shows both monotone and Colorsweep moulding treatments on 1957 DeSotos. It appears to be in fine condition, unusual and unique but IMO after the Plain Jane novelty if it has worn off, I might soon tire of driving a non-PS & PB Desoto with standard shift. A better optioned Fireflite with a Torqueflite automatic on the longer 126" wheelbase would be much more comfortable and easier to drive. A reference book says 1957 Firesweeps were basically Dodge Royals (122" wb) with DeSoto trim. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 I also believe it's legit. This brochure suggests that it is. Here's a page with a monotone (appearing) car with the same trim and interior, though it is a sedan rather than a hardtop. Radio delete, what looks to be mat flooring instead of carpet, no ps or pb. It was a relatively basic car. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 Oh, and I'll be about ten miles from this car this weekend...YIKES! Don't worry, I don't have the money😄. I do love that car, though, at least from what I can see. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted March 16, 2023 Share Posted March 16, 2023 20 hours ago, JamesR said: Oh, and I'll be about ten miles from this car this weekend...YIKES! Don't worry, I don't have the money😄. I do love that car, though, at least from what I can see. Well you should go and take a look. Report back with your opinion. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Albright Posted March 17, 2023 Share Posted March 17, 2023 Yes please go and post your opinion for all of us. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted March 17, 2023 Share Posted March 17, 2023 I'm not going to waste the owner's time by setting up an appointment to see it. It's very unlikely that I'd buy that car. I might, however, start out a little early on Sunday and drive to West Branch - population 2500 - and see if I can find it on display somewhere in town. If I find it I'll take a closer look and maybe take a picture of any flaws not shown in the ad. And if the owner sees me and offers to start it up, well.... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DFeeney Posted March 17, 2023 Share Posted March 17, 2023 Although there is a lot of front bumper, it does seem to mate to the body well and visually fit. I've always thought the bumpers on this era MoPar cars looked like a after thought as there generally was a lot of space between them and the body. A nice car for its age. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC38dls Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 My first car was a 57 DeSoto Firesweep I bought at Grand Spaulding Dodge on Grand Ave west side of Chicago. It had the small hemi in it and the headlights were about ready to fall out from rust! The front bumper was shiny and looked like the car was smiling. $200 that was car, license, tax and five new tires. Great running rust bucket I painted black with brushes and porch & deck enamel to cover the bondo which covered the steel wool we shoved in the holes to help hold it in place. dave s 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Albright Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 If he’d accept $11,000 for it I’d fed ex him the check. Love the green color! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted March 21, 2023 Share Posted March 21, 2023 I did drive to West Branch Sunday morning, but didn't see the car anywhere. I looked around, but not real hard. Even though it was sunny, it was 34 degrees F and most old car guys aren't going to have their vehicles out in those temps. I did find the storage facility shown in the pictures but, again, the car was not to be seen. Might have been out and displayed somewhere in town but I couldn't devote more time than I did. Sorry folks. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted March 21, 2023 Share Posted March 21, 2023 Particularly from the rear 3/4 perspective, this car is stunning. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Albright Posted March 22, 2023 Share Posted March 22, 2023 Any idea if he has reduced the price any? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6T-FinSeeker Posted March 22, 2023 Author Share Posted March 22, 2023 41 minutes ago, George Albright said: Any idea if he has reduced the price any? George, The Facebook ad is still active and priced at $29,000. Seller's contact info is: Call Jan: 31 nine 27 zero 76 five 0 This DeSoto is a beauty! JP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Albright Posted March 22, 2023 Share Posted March 22, 2023 Beautiful indeed! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6T-FinSeeker Posted April 7, 2023 Author Share Posted April 7, 2023 On 3/21/2023 at 8:12 PM, George Albright said: Any idea if he has reduced the price any? On 4/7, Seller reduced price to $27,000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6T-FinSeeker Posted May 18, 2023 Author Share Posted May 18, 2023 On 5/17, Seller added a short walk-around video that really showcases the car. It is the first "photo" on the Facebook ad. Link: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/897161878150299/-1957-DeSoto-Firesweep-Sportsman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Albright Posted May 18, 2023 Share Posted May 18, 2023 I’m a buyer at $17,000 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deac Posted May 18, 2023 Share Posted May 18, 2023 On 3/14/2023 at 3:01 PM, 6T-FinSeeker said: THE UNDERSIDE OF THIS VEHICLE LOOKS GREAT! states the seller. This car has bad leak from pinion seal in the differential. Not only has the fluid blown back on to the main case of differential but the spinning driveshaft sprayed the leaking oil onto the exhaust. In addition there may even be a leak at the drain plug as well. By the seller having ignored the leak makes me wonder just how much fluid is left in the differential. This is neglect by the owner because this repair is not difficult to do yourself! If you don't want to get dirty than it's a relatively low cost repair at a shop! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 55er Posted May 18, 2023 Share Posted May 18, 2023 I really don't want to disparage this Desoto too much because it's a nice car that's definitely odd and unusual but the market might be somewhat limited for such a stripped down base model that is still for sale (and now overhyped) at a high price. If you're in the market for a 57 DeSoto would you rather have the green Firesweep in this thread or one of these more colorful upscale models with AT, PS, PB, maybe PW and a radio? You'd still be cruising in a super cool big winged ride that would be even more comfortable and a lot easier to drive. The heck with those special order hubcaps! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted May 18, 2023 Share Posted May 18, 2023 2 hours ago, The 55er said: I really don't want to disparage this Desoto too much because it's a nice car that's definitely odd and unusual I agree. I find it even more appealing than lots of upscale and colorful variants, mostly because of its originality, rarity and cool color. However, the new video raises some questions. I'm not sure what I'm hearing in the audio...is that idle speed too fast and surging at times? Hard to tell with echo of the metal walls. Probably would've been better filmed outside with the hood open. I think this is just one of those cars you'll have to go inspect closely in person. Not at all saying or implying it's suspicious, just that for that kind of money you'd want all the unknowns answered first. If it's as nice as I think it might be, it could be one of those fantastic survivor cars. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Albright Posted May 20, 2023 Share Posted May 20, 2023 I guess $17,000 doesn’t buy it ….. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6T-FinSeeker Posted May 20, 2023 Author Share Posted May 20, 2023 6 minutes ago, George Albright said: I guess $17,000 doesn’t buy it ….. Did you ask the Seller? Call Jan: 319 270 76 five zero Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Albright Posted May 20, 2023 Share Posted May 20, 2023 No I haven’t. Figured he saw my offer and wasn’t interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Jake Moran Posted May 20, 2023 Share Posted May 20, 2023 On 3/15/2023 at 2:41 PM, JamesR said: Oh, and I'll be about ten miles from this car this weekend...YIKES! Don't worry, I don't have the money😄. I do love that car, though, at least from what I can see. You can always say you are inspecting it for a friend. This - as I have reported before- is at a “classic car” dealer off I80. Not at all in West Branch. South side of I80 on a hill over looking the interstate 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Jake Moran Posted May 20, 2023 Share Posted May 20, 2023 On 5/18/2023 at 12:25 PM, deac said: This car has bad leak from pinion seal in the differential. Not only has the fluid blown back on to the main case of differential but the spinning driveshaft sprayed the leaking oil onto the exhaust. In addition there may even be a leak at the drain plug as well. By the seller having ignored the leak makes me wonder just how much fluid is left in the differential. This is neglect by the owner because this repair is not difficult to do yourself! If you don't want to get dirty than it's a relatively low cost repair at a shop! I met the seller many years ago. He is very pleasant but buyer beware. He used to advertise these cars in the paper days of Hemmings. The car I looked at he said he did not know much about it. Who is the buyer of this car at $27,000 or name your price? We are not motivated to part with our $25k or so. How about a Mopar collector with untold millions or 6 figures? No I doubt it. Those guys typically buy nice cars from just a few sources. They don’t drive to east of Iowa City to possibly buy a 57 Mopar. Rarity does not seem to matter in this case. Can that really be original paint? I personally do not think so. 1957 Mopar paint in still shiny pristine condition some 65 years later. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Albright Posted May 20, 2023 Share Posted May 20, 2023 Above advice well taken from my AACA friends. I think I will just move along….. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted May 21, 2023 Share Posted May 21, 2023 12 hours ago, George Albright said: No I haven’t. Figured he saw my offer and wasn’t interested. I wouldn't presume that the seller has seen this thread. He didn't post it here, someone else did, as this is the "not mine" forum. Also, as I said before, I think I'd want to see it in person before pursuing it...but, yes, this is a car that's very easy to fall in love with. Thanks, Jake, for clarifying the seller situation. I will be in Iowa City later this summer...if it's still for sale, I may pm you to get the particulars on its location. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6T-FinSeeker Posted May 24, 2023 Author Share Posted May 24, 2023 On 5/24, Seller marked the Facebook ad "SOLD!" 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted May 25, 2023 Share Posted May 25, 2023 No surprise that it sold. Not to me, anyway. Some people didn't care for the bottom-of-the-line configuration, but I saw it as a plus...it was appealing, for some reason. Congratulations to both the buyer and the seller. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now