Forgotten Cars of the 1950s: the Domestic Boom and Import First Wave

7. 1959 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman

With an optional 361 cubic inch V-8 offering 300 hp, the 1959 Firedome Sportsman had a top speed of 115 mph and an extensive selection of colors and two-tone finishes to pick from. Unfortunately, both the declining economy and some production issues in previous years led to 1959 being the last year for the Firedome. In a way, it lived on, as the 361 engine design became the basis for several later classic Chrysler engines from the 383 to the 440.