Walter P. Chrysler’s creation of the Chrysler Corporation from the remnants of the Maxwell Motor Company in 1925 marked a pivotal moment in automotive history. Three years later, Chrysler expanded its portfolio by acquiring Fargo Trucks and Dodge, while also establishing two new automakers: Plymouth and DeSoto.
While Plymouth is a household name, DeSoto remains a somewhat forgotten brand. Positioned to compete with Pontiac, Studebaker, Hudson, and Willys in the mid-price segment, DeSoto offered lower-priced versions of Chrysler automobiles, initially positioned below Dodge in the corporate hierarchy.
Named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, the brand gained access to streamlined Airflow bodies in 1933, enjoying moderate success in its early years. Despite its challenges, DeSoto left behind some remarkable vehicles.
Notably, it was the only division, apart from Chrysler, to offer Airflow models and embraced Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” design ethos in the mid-to-late 1950s, resulting in some of the era’s most iconic automobiles.
While not particularly rare, collectors seek certain body styles, such as the convertible, due to their scarcity. Among these, the Firesweep Station Wagon stands out, with only a fraction of total production surviving to this day.
Though it has undergone some modifications, including a suspension overhaul and engine swap, this Firesweep Shopper retains much of its original charm. From its distinctive paint scheme to its vintage interior, this classic wagon serves as a testament to DeSoto’s legacy and the era in which it thrived.
