Pick of the Day: 1957 DeSoto Fireflite with matching boat

There’s something satisfying about a good combo pairing, and today’s Pick of the Day might have your wheels (and propellers) spinning with some great family summer vacation ideas. 

This stunning, red-and-white 1957 DeSoto Fireflite hardtop and matching 1957 fiberglass boat is being offered as a complete package on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Bisbee, Arizona.  

Next year will mark 60 years since the DeSoto brand of automobiles was last sold in the United States and Canada.  The DeSoto line was launched in 1928 as a subsidiary of the Chrysler lineup, but it succumbed to economic downturn in the late 1950s and eventually went by the wayside. 

A few surviving exceptional examples of the roughly 2 million DeSotos sold can still be found cruising America’s highways, including today’s particularly nice Fireflite.

The Fireflite was based on a 126-inch wheelbase that was shared with Chrysler models at the time, and it occupied the flagship spot in DeSoto hierarchy.  A number of mechanical and cosmetic updates made 1957 a special year, including a redesigned exterior and space-age triple-lens taillights integrated into tall tail fins. 

Powering this large sedan is a 341 Hemi V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor, said to propel the car to speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. 

And as we can see from the ad listing, that Hemi V8 is also capable of towing a boat. Describing the Fireflite, the seller states, “The car was garage kept and only had two owners.  The chrome is exceptional as is the hood medallion.  The original upholstery and headliner are excellent.” 

Notable in the photo gallery is the Fireflite’s push-button automatic transmission. 

In tow behind the DeSoto is the 1957 Herters Flying Fish boat, fully restored, with lots of chrome and a fresh interior.  The seller says that the boat itself has won Best of Show trophies for its exceptional condition. 

The seller is asking for $47,899 or best offer for everything together.  It’s not very often a classic car comes with a matching accessory as substantial as this one, and with lake recreation season right around the corner, this is a compelling opportunity.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.