Edward X. Petrus, New Castle PA
Email: desoto@pathway.net
[The Forward Look Webring]
(January 13th, 2008)
I’ve been keeping a database in my computer of every 1957 DeSoto I can find, anywhere in the world, since about 1980. My goals are to find the “oldest” car, the “newest” car, and any particularly rare ones. Sometimes having a VIN or motor number can help track a car’s history, provide proof of ownership if the car is stolen, etc. PLEASE, if you’ve acquired a 1957 DeSoto, consider giving me your VIN and motor number, who you are, and where you are. This is only for my private use and to provide historical documentation on the number of surviving cars. THANK YOU!
Click here for a summary of which cars exist and where they are right now based on the database.
Many of you know that I've been working with GEORGE LAURIE, world-renowned resin-casting expert, on several 1957 DeSoto parts. George already makes parking lenses, hood emblems, dome light lenses, and all the rear lenses. He is now making TAILLIGHT TOWERS and SURROUNDS out of resin. He has given up on getting them full electroplate chromed because of too many difficulties getting the chrome to adhere properly to the primered towers. Now it seels like the solution is to get them vacuum chromed and clear-coated for protection. I have the world's first set from George for my Adventurer!!! You can email George directly to inquire about purchasing the towers or his other parts: georgelaurie@bigpond.com Tell him Ed sent you!
Click here for pictures of the tower progress, and the COMPLETED ones!
Articles telling the history of my cars. Also, some general information about 1957 DeSotos. USED WITH PERMISSION OF THE NATIONAL DESOTO CLUB, July 2006
Click here!
Pictures of 1957 DeSotos from the 3D picnics near Chagrin Falls, Ohio
(2003)
(2005)
(2007)
(2008)
Click to go to my Firedome sedan pages! This is a car I bought from the original owner in 1977 for $112.50, and I've been playing with it ever since. It's one of 23,339 Firedome sedans for 1957, and has some neat features, like the tinted plexiglass sunvisors, torsion-aire suspension, and a 341 c.i.d. hemi engine w/2 barrel carburetion.
Click to go to my Fireflite sedan pages! I bought this car in September, 2001. I found it on a mountainside in West Virginia! I first thought of it as a parts car, but I got it running without too much $ invested. So, I put it on the road! The Fireflite has a 341 c.i.d. hemi, 4-barrel carb, dual exhaust, and some special trim pieces. You can see the "as it sat" pictures and follow through the entire restoration!
Click to go to my Adventurer coupe pages! This is one RARE CAR! It's one of only 1650 coupes produced (there were also 300 convertibles). I bought this car in November of 2003. It has a 345 c.i.d. hemi with 2 4-barrels, dual exhaust, full race cam, dual-point distributor, and 150 mph speedometer, all STOCK! Check out the complete restoration of this fine ride! 
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More great 1957 DeSoto pics! (2 new pics added 7-2008)(Page 1)
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(Page 13 - Newest pics here)
Pictures of 1957 DeSoto engines! (updated 12-10-2005)
(Page 1)
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(Page 3)
Pictures of 1957 DeSoto interiors! (updated 3-11-2003>
(Page 1)
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Junk Yard Dogs (1957 DeSotos past their prime?!?) (updated 2-7-2008)
(Page one)
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(Page three - newest pics)
Some 1957 DeSoto ads!
(page 1)
(page 2)
A few Matchbook covers featuring 1957 DeSotos
A 1957 DeSoto jigsaw puzzle! Let the kids have fun!
Pictures of '57 DeSotos from the National DeSoto Club Conventions
(1998)
(2000)
(2001)
(2003)
(2004)
(2005)
(2006)
(2007)
(2008)
1957 DeSoto COLORS!
Production Figures for 1957 DeSotos
Decoding your 1957 DeSoto firewall tag!
Direct connection to current 1957 DeSoto stuff on Ebay! (Use BACK to return here.)
1957 DeSoto Calendar pages. I will select a car each month as a feature of the month. I will maintain 2 months always available. Print for your enjoyment!
(September 2008)
(October 2008)
Dave Duricy's DeSotoland
Home page of the National DeSoto Club
Home page of the Forward Look Mopar group
WPC Club, Inc., Vancouver Island Region
WPC Club, Inc., Chrysler Product Restorer's Club
Carl's Well-used Cars and Parts (Carl has provided lots of 1957 DeSoto parts. Be patient -- slow page load.)
Bishko's out-of-print auto manuals and brochures