Production | |
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Model Year: | 1957 |
Production Years: | 1956 - 1957 discontinued in 1957 |
Precise measurements of the 1957 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
Dimensions | |
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Length: | 5613 mm221.0 in18.4 ft |
Width: | 1986 mm78.2 in6.5 ft |
Height: | 1397 mm55.0 in4.6 ft |
The 1957 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible represents a striking example of 1950s American automotive design, embodying the elegance and power typical of its era. Produced between 1956 and 1957, this cabriolet variant of the Adventurer model is notable for its impressive dimensions and classic styling cues. The car measures an overall length of 5613 mm (approximately 221 inches or 18.4 feet), giving it an elongated presence on the road that was common in luxury convertibles of the period. Its width stands at 1986 mm (about 78.2 inches or 6.5 feet), providing a broad stance contributing to both stability and an imposing aesthetic. The height is relatively low at 1397 mm (55 inches or roughly 4.6 feet), enhancing the vehicle's sleek, streamlined profile and sporty appearance especially with the convertible top down. These dimensions set the Adventurer I Convertible apart in its class, making it a spacious yet stylish cruiser ideal for open-air driving. The size also enables a comfortable interior environment, combining practicality with the luxurious feel expected from DeSoto at the time. Overall, the 1957 Adventurer I Convertible stands as a testament to mid-century automotive design, blending robust size with elegant proportions that continue to appeal to classic car enthusiasts and collectors.
Discover the standout features that make the 1957 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible a leader in its class
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The 1957 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible has a length of 5613 mm (approximately 221 inches or 18.4 feet), a width of 1986 mm (around 78.2 inches or 6.5 feet), and a height of 1397 mm (roughly 55 inches or 4.6 feet). These dimensions give it a classic full-size car footprint, typical of late 1950s American convertibles, offering roomy interior space and an impressive road presence.
With a width of 1986 mm (approximately 78.2 inches or 6.5 feet), the 1957 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible is wider than many modern sedans and compact SUVs, which typically range from 1750 mm to 1900 mm in width. This extra width contributes to its spacious cabin and wide stance but also means maneuvering in tight spaces or narrow parking spots can be more challenging compared to today's more compact vehicle designs.
The height of the 1957 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible is 1397 mm (about 55 inches or 4.6 feet). This relatively low profile for a convertible enhances the car's sleek appearance and sporty character. While the lower height may slightly limit headroom compared to taller sedans, the convertible design compensates with the ability to lower the top, giving occupants an open-air experience that prioritizes style and comfort over vertical space.
A standard residential garage typically measures about 2440 mm to 2740 mm (8 to 9 feet) in width and about 4877 mm to 6096 mm (16 to 20 feet) in length. The 1957 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible's width of 1986 mm (6.5 feet) fits comfortably within the garage width, but its length of 5613 mm (18.4 feet) is near the upper limit of standard garage length. While it will fit in many garages, maneuvering space around the vehicle may be limited depending on garage size and storage usage.
Compared to its predecessor, the 1956 DeSoto Adventurer Convertible, the 1957 Adventurer I Convertible retains similar overall dimensions but features subtle design refinements. Both model years have comparable length, width, and height metrics, with the 1957 model maintaining the 5613 mm (221 inches) length and 1986 mm (78.2 inches) width, reflecting a continuity in size while upgrading styling cues and trim to enhance appeal.
The 1957 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible, with its 5613 mm length (221 inches) and 1986 mm width (78.2 inches), ranks among the larger classic American convertibles of the 1950s. Comparable models, like the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible or the Chrysler 300C Convertible, often feature similar or slightly smaller dimensions. This places the DeSoto Adventurer I in the full-size luxury cabriolet category, prized for spaciousness and road presence typical of the era.
While exact factory curb weight figures for the 1957 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible vary, it is estimated to weigh around 1900 to 2100 kg (approximately 4200 to 4600 lbs). This rich heft contributes to the car’s smooth ride quality and solid road feel, but also means acceleration and handling are more relaxed compared to today's performance convertibles. The weight is typical of large American cars of the 1950s that prioritized luxury and comfort over sporty agility.
The 1957 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible is designed to comfortably seat four passengers, typically in a two-door cabriolet layout with a spacious front bench or bucket seats and a rear seat accommodating two adults. Its generous dimensions, particularly a wide cabin width of 1986 mm (78.2 inches), provide ample shoulder room. The convertible top design allows for an open-air experience, although rear passenger headroom is more limited when the top is raised.
The 1957 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible featured a powerful V8 engine, typically the 345 cubic inch (5.7-liter) HEMI V8, which produced around 310 horsepower. This engine was paired with a sturdy automatic transmission, providing smooth and capable performance for the era. The powerful engine combined with the vehicle’s sizeable frame resulted in planted road manners and strong acceleration, aligning with the Adventurer's positioning as a premium performance model within the DeSoto lineup.
The 1957 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible stood out among American full-size luxury convertibles for its blend of style, performance, and size. It compared favorably to contemporaries like the Chrysler 300C Convertible and Packard Caribbean in terms of engine performance and spaciousness. Its 5613 mm length and wide stance were competitive, offering both impressive road presence and passenger comfort, which made it a desirable model for buyers seeking a blend of flamboyance and power in the late 1950s convertible market.