1956 De Soto Fireflite Pace Car Convertible. 1956 saw the introduction of large scale fins by Chrysler Corporation's chief stylist Virgil Exner. All Plymouth, Dodge, De Soto, and Chrysler featured prominent fins. The 50 's were also an era for innovative new ideas such as push-button automatic transmissions, GM's auto dimming headlights, and Chrysler's Highway HiFi, the first record player designed for automotive use. De Soto was selected as Pace Car for the 1956 Indianapolis 500 mile race on May 22nd. This example is one of an estimated 200 or so "clones" that were produced. The cars were powered by a 330ci Hemi V8, producing 255 hp at 4,400 rpm. The factory price was $3,524. Owner: Larry Zappone, Woodinville, WA. Photographed at the Pacific Northwest Concours d'Elegance held September 7, 2014.
