1959 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsmans Coupe

Whilst the DeSoto brand was long ago abandoned by the Chrysler Corporation, this remarkable example gives just a hint of what it was like to own a classic American Cruising Coupe in the days before oil crises, passenger and pedestrian considerations, and when just looking cool was the main concern.

This remarkable motor car dates from 1959 which was the final year of Virgil Exner's dramatic Fleetwing styling. It's powered by a 383ci (6.3-litre) V8 generating just under 300bhp and mated to a TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic gearbox which is operated by steering wheel-mounted push buttons. Big enough to carry five or six with ease, this stunning Coupe is dressed with chrome almost everywhere, the double headlights and scooped bonnet leading the eye to the rear with those amazing rear fins and vertically stacked triple rear lamps. It was acquired by a previous owner in the US and imported to the UK in 2008 but has undoubtedly been well-restored in the US at some stage. The black paintwork remains in excellent condition as does the substantial amount of chrome, and the six-seat interior has been fully retrimmed and presents really well. The dashboard has the original radio fitted and all of the dials, buttons and switches are said to be in full working order including the odometer which reads 36,519 miles, unlikely to have been from new but you never know. It's supplied with the original Owner's Handbook, the V5C, some invoices for repair and maintenance and other bits and pieces from its days in the US.

316 XUM is likely to be the only example on the road in the UK, and it's almost certainly the case that this is the very best example this side of the Atlantic. With its huge swooping tail fins, acres of chrome, jet-age triple rear lights and white-wall tyres, this is an impressive automobile and would fit perfectly into any collection of period Americana. A fabulous looking, well preserved and well maintained 'Happy Days'  American coupe that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.