Newly styled, the '53 FireDome demonstrated that a DeSoto could be as curvaceous as it was imposing. Rear fenders stretched to new lengths while ornamentation detailed a longer, lower look.

More than a beauty, the DeSoto FireDome was an athlete powered by the industry-leading FireDome V8 hemi-head engine. The V8, in its second year of production, displaced 276.1 cubic inches and produced 160 horse power. Amazingly, the FireDome engine working through Tip-Toe Shift with Fluid Torque Drive hurled DeSoto down the quarter mile in 19.7 seconds at 69 miles per hour - according to the testers at Motor Trend. Top speed was 100 miles per hour.

Base price for the impressive FireDome convertible was $3,172, which rivaled convertible pricing at Buick, Hudson and Packard. Helping boost the price was a list of options that included wire wheels, power steering power, brakes, power windows, and the stylish continental kit shown here.