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- 1958 Adventurer I Convertible (facelift 1958)
DeSoto1958 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible (facelift 1958) Dimensions, Size & Specs| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1958 |
| Production Years: | 1957 - 1958 discontinued in 1958 |
Precise measurements of the 1958 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5552 mm218.6 in18.2 ft |
| Width: | 1989 mm78.3 in6.5 ft |
| Height: | 1397 mm55.0 in4.6 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 140 mm5.5 in0.5 ft |
The 1958 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible represents a pinnacle of 1950s American automotive design, specifically offered during the production years of 1957 to 1958. This facelifted generation of the Adventurer I is a cabriolet, showcasing stylish open-top driving blended with impressive dimensions for its era. Measuring 5552 mm (218.6 inches) in length, 1989 mm (78.3 inches) in width, and standing 1397 mm (55 inches) tall, the vehicle boasts a commanding road presence as a classic American convertible. Its relatively low ride height of 140 mm (5.5 inches) adds to its sleek and sporty profile, making it well suited to cruising with the top down. The Adventurer I Convertible was engineered to combine luxury and performance, with size proportions that emphasize comfort for both driver and passenger while still offering the dynamic appeal of an open-air cabriolet. As a historic model from DeSoto, a marque known for stylish mid-century vehicles, this Adventurer I facelift model presents a blend of bold styling, spaciousness, and distinctive 1950s design cues. Its length and wide stance contribute to stable handling and an imposing look on the road, while the convertible roof design enhances its timeless charm. Ideal for enthusiasts of vintage American convertibles, the 1958 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible remains a remarkable example of automotive heritage, reflecting the grandeur and innovation of its time.
Discover the standout features that make the 1958 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible a leader in its class
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The 1958 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible, following its 1958 facelift, measures 5552 mm (218.5 inches) in length, 1989 mm (78.3 inches) in width, and stands 1397 mm (55 inches) tall. Its ground clearance is 140 mm (5.5 inches). These dimensions reflect the classic full-size American styling of the late 1950s, offering a spacious and wide profile characteristic of convertibles of that era.
The 1958 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible has a width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches), which complements its length of 5552 mm (218.5 inches) and height of 1397 mm (55 inches). This wide stance provides good road presence and contributes to stability and spaciousness inside the vehicle, typical of large American convertibles from the 1950s. The relatively low height emphasizes the convertible’s sleek and sporty design.
With a length of 5552 mm (218.5 inches) and a width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches), the 1958 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible is quite large by modern standards. Standard garages typically range from 2400 to 2700 mm (94 to 106 inches) in width and about 5600 mm (220 inches) in length. While lengthwise it can fit, the width of nearly 2 meters means maneuvering inside may be tight. Owners should verify their garage dimensions before parking this vintage full-sized convertible inside.
The 1958 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible has a ride height or ground clearance of 140 mm (5.5 inches). This relatively low ground clearance helps lower the car’s center of gravity, enhancing handling and stability on paved roads. However, it also means that the vehicle is less suited for rough or uneven surfaces, which is typical for luxury convertibles designed for smooth city and highway driving during that era.
The 1958 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible was notably larger than many contemporaneous convertibles, measuring 5552 mm (218.5 inches) in length and 1989 mm (78.3 inches) in width. Compared to popular convertibles like the Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible or the Ford Thunderbird of the period, the Adventurer I was generally longer and wider, emphasizing luxury and road presence. Its size underscored DeSoto’s positioning as a premium brand catering to customers seeking grandeur and style.
While exact interior dimensions are less documented, the exterior length of 5552 mm and width of 1989 mm suggest the 1958 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible offered a spacious cabin for front and rear passengers. The wide body allowed for ample shoulder room and comfortable seating arrangements. Its low height of 1397 mm didn’t compromise headroom excessively because of convertible top design. Luxury and comfort were priorities, making it an appealing vehicle for both drivers and passengers.
The 1958 facelift of the DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible maintained its substantial dimensions typical of 1957 models, with the same overall length of approx 5552 mm and width of 1989 mm. The updates focused more on styling changes such as revised grilles, new tail fins, and trim adjustments rather than dimensional changes. This facelift enhanced the car’s aesthetic appeal while keeping its full-size, wide stance intact, preserving its luxurious and sporty character as compared to the pre-facelift 1957 versions.
The 1958 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible's size remained largely consistent with its 1957 predecessor, retaining its impressive length of 5552 mm and width of 1989 mm. The facelift focused on modernizing the design elements such as updated front grilles and finned tail lights rather than increasing size or weight. Both model years epitomize the 1950s American luxury convertible ethos—large, wide, and low with an emphasis on style and presence. Performance improvements were more engineering-focused than dimensional.
When compared to contemporaries like the 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible or the Chrysler 300D Convertible, the DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible’s length of 5552 mm and width of 1989 mm positioned it firmly within the full-size luxury convertible segment. While Cadillac models sometimes edged slightly longer and wider, the Adventurer held its own with distinctive styling cues and a lower profile height of 1397 mm, making it appear sleek yet substantial. It was competitive in offering luxury, spaciousness, and classic late-50s American design flair.
Besides its substantial size—5552 mm in length and nearly 2 meters in width—the 1958 DeSoto Adventurer I Convertible was distinguished by its limited production and upscale trim, designed as a high-performance and luxury model within the DeSoto lineup. Features included premium interior finishes, powerful V8 engine options, and iconic 1950s styling with extensive chrome work and tail fins. This combination of size, luxury, and performance made the Adventurer I a desirable convertible among enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the classic American automotive grandeur.
