Chrysler Corporation automobiles introduced push button automatic transmission controls for their PowerFlite and Torqueflite transmissions for the 1956 model year. Instead of the traditional placement of a gear selector on the column, Chrysler’s system mounted the gear buttons in dashboard pods to the left of the steering wheel, becoming the first U.S. carmaker to offer such a system. This system was mechanical.

1956 DeSoto had significant styling changes – now totally part of the “Forward Look”. At the rear, the fenders swept up into real fins. The lights were round tubular “rocket exhausts with the clear backup light in the center. The rear bumper was changed to  look like some sort of jet exhaust and is where the actual dual exhaust exited.

At the front, the scoop remained at the front, and as in ’55, featured a hood ornament. The parking lights now “floated” in the bumper guards that had unique cutouts in the grille fascia. The teeth were gone, replaced by a mesh insert with a prominent gold “V”.

FIREFLITE SERIES S24 (8-Cylinder Hemi): Fireflite models had “Fireflite” in script on the front fenders, and painted headlight hoods. Chrome strips were placed on top of the front fenders, extending back along the peak to the door. The upper arm of the Color Sweep panels on Fireflites extended in a solid line from in back of headlights to the extreme tip of the tail fin. A double molding was used on the top separator. On four-door sedans the side trim utilized the upper double molding only.

All Fireflite cars had Powerflite automatic transmission as standard equipment. This transmission now incorporated push button gear selection controls. A limited-edition ‘Pacesetter’ convertible, commemorating the De Soto’s pacing the Indianapolis 500, would be available to the public. The cars delivered to dealers had the same special features as the pace car, and most all De Soto’s power accessories, but were not lettered like the authentic version.

The Fireflite was available was available as a 4-door Sedan, 4-door Hardtop, 2-door Hardtop, Convertible and Station Wagon.

ADVENTURER SERIES S24A (8-Cylinder Hemi): A new performance car series called the “Adventurer” – now a two-door hardtop coupe – was introduced as a limited-production specialty car on February 18, 1956. It was a Fireflite sub-series, and in some instances called the “Golden Adventurer.” It had a special high-performance engine, dual exhausts and custom appointments and finish.  two-door hardtop coupe was introduced as a limited-production specialty car on February 18, 1956. It was a Fireflite sub-series, and in some instances called the “Golden Adventurer.” It had a special high-performance engine, dual exhausts and custom appointments and finish.

Standard equipment included: power brakes, whitewall tires, dual tailpipe extensions, dual outside rear view mirrors, rear mounted manual radio antennas, added instrument panel instruments, power front seat, electric windows, windshield washers, electric clock and heavy-duty suspension.

The Adventurer was only available as a 2-door Hardtop.

Fireflite Series Hemi V-8: V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 330.4  CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.72 x 3.80 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 255 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 350 ft. lbs. @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.381″ (Exhaust) 0.357″.
Carburetor: Carter WCFB four-barrel models 2311SA; early vehicles 2210S.

Adventurer Series Hemi V-8: V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 341.4  CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.78 x 3.80 inches.
Compression ratio: 5200 RPM.
Torque: 356 ft. lbs. @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 280°, Exhaust 280°, Overlap 60°, Lift (Intake) 0.431″ (Exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetors: 2 Carter WCFB four-barrels (Front) WCFB 2476S; (Rear) WCFB 2445S.