Lot #1450 - As 1959 approached, the DeSoto Automobile Company was nearing its demise as rumors of Chrysler phasing out the company were becoming increasingly louder. The 1958 economic downturn hurt sales of mid-priced makes across the board, and DeSoto sales were 60% lower than those of 1957 in what would be DeSoto's worst year since 1938. Also, Ford Motor Company had introduced a new mid-price competitor for the 1958 model year with the Edsel. The sales slide continued for 1959 and 1960 (down 40% from the already low 1959 figures), and rumors began to circulate DeSoto was going to be discontinued. With sales decreasing, so did production. 1959 was the final year for the DeSoto convertible and they finished with, what some say is, the most visually-stunning convertible ever produced. With its long body lines and aircraft-inspired fins, this 1959 Desoto Firedome is nothing short of extraordinary and is one of only 299 produced. The car has benefitted from a frame-off restoration in the early 2000s and retains its beauty and luster to this day. With an AACA First Place Senior Award to its name, the car is a proven winner. Options include power steering, in-dash clock, swivel driver's seat, padded dash, Mirror-Matic rear view mirror, AM radio, intermittent wipers, power convertible top, dual mirrors and dual antennas. It has automatic transmission and is fitted with chrome wire wheels with wide whitewall radial tires.