The Fireflite was introduced in 1955 as De Soto's top trim package of the DeSoto Firedome.

It was wider and longer than the Firedome and it came equipped with a hemispherical cylinder head, 291 cubic inch displacement (4.8L) V8 engine producing 200 hp when equipped with the 4 barrel carburetor (149 kW) and PowerFlite automatic transmission.

[2] The 1956 model car was best known for its long, tapering tail fins, often accentuated by a two-tone exterior finish.

While no official production figures for the pacesetter convertibles was ever released, research from National DeSoto Club members has narrowed it down to between 390 and 426 produced.

Indianapolis 500 President Tony Hulman said the DeSoto was chosen unanimously by the track committee because it delivered outstanding performance and had superb handling characteristics.

[2] The Fireflite's appearance for 1957 was redesigned[2] with the help of Chrysler Corporation's head stylist, Virgil Exner.

The design was bold and radical with large tail fins, dual oval exhaust and triple-lens taillights.

Nevertheless, Fireflites continued to offer high-grade appointments in a full line of body styles.