Chassis No. 50381983

Nineteen Fifty-Five proved a pivotal year for DeSoto. A major Chrysler-wide redesign, the so-called "Forward Look" at the hands of Detroit automobile legend Virgil Exner brought a much needed new look to the DeSoto lineup. One of the first vehicles to benefit from this change – and resulting sales boom – was the Fireflite, DeSoto's top trim package of the Firedome. The automotive press was full of praise for the Fireflite and as its crowning achievement was its selection by Tony Hulman as the official Indianapolis 500 pace car due to its 'outstanding performance and superb handling.'

Approximately 400 Fireflite Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Convertibles were produced in white and gold with this example surely among one of the finest currently available. Like all Fireflite Indy 500 Pace Cars it features a 330 cu-in, 255-horsepower Hemi V8 with this example featuring a three-speed Powerflite automatic transmission. Other special-edition Pace Car equipment included a gold anodized radiator grill and turbine style wheel covers and an attractive, comfortable interior with gold vinyl upholstery and brown tweed inserts. The 1950s represented an era known for one-upmanship among the Big Three and as a result these DeSoto's were well equipped with this example featuring a power-operated convertible top, power front bench seat, power windows, a DeSotomatic steering wheel clock, and even a Highway HiFi 16 2/3 RPM record player!

According to the consignor, a noted DeSoto enthusiast, this may be one of less than 20 1956 Fireflite Indianapolis 500 Pace Cars known to exist. If so, it represents a fantastic opportunity to not only own a "Forward Look" automobile from Virgil Exner, but an exquisite example of a special-edition pace car designed for the ultimate American automotive institution, the Indy 500.