1953 DeSoto Convertible Firedome V8

Just a quick walk around David's excellent car. This was a "frame-off" restoration. David and his family drive the car to participate in many events. These are great cars that are dependable and very roadworthy in today's environment. ENJOY!
Here are a few notes from David: Interesting points about this car are, it is actually an early design from Virgil Exner. Exner arrived at Chrysler in '49. He did concept cars that were built by Ghia but then Chrysler brass started to get anxious because he hadn't produced anything Chrysler could sell. So he put in changes that affected the '53/54 models as an almost interim step launching the "Forward Look" designs in '55.
From some research: "Exner’s styling department temporized the transition from old to new look beginning with the ’53 DeSoto Firedome Convertible – the highest end of the Firedome line. For ’53, among the firsts for DeSoto are fully integrated rear quarter panels, a one piece front windshield, and – on hardtops - wraparound rear glass with reverse angled rear windows. They also lengthened and raised the rear deck and fenders and lowered the profile of the hood. These changes worked to demonstrate that a DeSoto could be as curvaceous as it was imposing. Rear fenders stretched to new lengths while ornamentation detailed a longer, lower look. And, for the first time, brighter colors and interior fabrics, two tone paint combinations, and chrome wire wheels were available – all of which would become iconic of the DeSoto brand in the years that followed."