1959 DeSoto Adventurer II Coupe (facelift 1959) Dimensions, Size & Specs

At 1999 mm (78.7 inches), the 1959 DeSoto Adventurer II Coupe is wider than many modern sedans and coupes. This extra width contributes to a spacious interior cabin, allowing comfortable seating for front and rear passengers with ample shoulder room. From a driving perspective, the wide track enhances stability and road grip, especially during cornering. However, the broader size may make maneuvering in tight urban environments or narrow streets slightly more challenging compared to today's more compact vehicles. Overall, the width lends the car a commanding road presence and improves ride comfort due to its roomy proportions.

The 1959 DeSoto Adventurer II Coupe stands 1397 mm (55 inches) tall, presenting a sleek, streamlined profile typical of coupes from the late 1950s. Its ground clearance is 142 mm (about 5.6 inches), which is moderate and designed more for paved road comfort than off-road capability. This ground clearance helps in providing a lower center of gravity, which improves the car's handling and stability. For everyday usability, the clearance is adequate for urban and suburban driving conditions but drivers need to be cautious on uneven or rough terrain. The low height also enhances aerodynamic efficiency and the coupe's stylish, classic look.

The 1959 DeSoto Adventurer II Coupe has a curb weight of 1925 kg (approximately 4,244 lbs). This weight is relatively substantial due to the vehicle's large size, solid construction, and luxurious fittings typical of American cars in the late 1950s. The heavier mass contributes to a stable and comfortable ride by absorbing road imperfections well, enhancing the vehicle's smooth cruising capabilities. On the downside, the weight impacts performance metrics such as acceleration and fuel efficiency, with heavier cars generally consuming more fuel. Still, the robust design prioritized comfort, style, and power rather than fuel economy.

With an overall length of 5616 mm (221.2 inches or about 18.4 feet) and width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches or 6.5 feet), the 1959 DeSoto Adventurer II Coupe is quite large for a residential garage. Most standard garages measure about 6 meters (approximately 20 feet) in length and around 2.4 meters (8 feet) in width. While the car's width fits comfortably within a typical garage width indicator, its length leaves very limited clearance, especially when considering room for opening doors and walking space around the vehicle. Homeowners with smaller or single-car garages may find parking it challenging. A two-car garage or a longer garage space is recommended for comfortable parking.

The 1959 DeSoto Adventurer II Coupe, known for its facelift and subtle design refinements, generally retained the large and luxurious dimensions of its predecessor. While exact figures for the earlier 1957-1958 Adventurer model vary slightly based on trim and body style, the 1959 model's length of 5616 mm (221.2 inches) showed a modest increase in size compared to previous versions, emphasizing greater road presence. The width and height remained broadly similar, maintaining the classic full-size coupe proportions favored during this era. These incremental size enhancements improved passenger comfort and interior spaciousness without drastically altering the vehicle's essential character.

The 1959 DeSoto Adventurer II Coupe competed with other prominent American full-size coupes such as the Chrysler 300 and Buick Electra. In terms of size, its length of 5616 mm (221.2 inches) and width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches) placed it competitively within the segment, offering ample interior space and a commanding road presence. Compared to rivals, the Adventurer emphasized a balance of luxury, performance, and distinctive styling highlighted by its signature tailfins and chrome detailing. While the weight at 1925 kg (4,244 lbs) was on the heavier side, this contributed to a smooth and comfortable ride, a common trait in large American coupes of the period. Overall, the Adventurer II Coupe was regarded as a stylish and capable coupe offering strong visual appeal and solid performance within its class.

The 1959 DeSoto Adventurer II Coupe was designed with spaciousness in mind, reflective of full-size coupes from the late 1950s. Thanks to its generous exterior dimensions, particularly its width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches), the interior cabin can comfortably accommodate four adults. Front seats offer good headroom and legroom, though as with many coupes, rear seating can be slightly more restricted in legroom but still adequate for adults during typical drives. The combination of wide door openings and well-upholstered seating further enhances passenger comfort. While it isn’t as roomy as modern large SUVs or sedans, the Adventurer offers a pleasant and classic full-size coupe passenger space.

The 1959 DeSoto Adventurer II Coupe has a ride height (ground clearance) of 142 mm (about 5.6 inches). This moderate clearance is typical for luxury coupes of the era, providing a balance between a low center of gravity for improved handling and enough clearance to avoid discomfort on everyday road conditions. The suspension system of the period usually featured torsion bar or coil spring setups combined with shock absorbers designed to offer a smooth, cushioned ride. This setup ensures that the Adventurer delivers a comfortable driving experience on paved roads, effectively absorbing bumps and road irregularities. However, the ride height does suggest that the car is primarily intended for urban and highway use, rather than rugged terrain or off-road driving.

The 1959 DeSoto Adventurer II Coupe encapsulates the hallmark features of late 1950s American luxury coupes, combining style, performance, and passenger comfort. It was equipped with a powerful V8 engine, emphasizing strong, smooth performance tailored for highway cruising and effortless acceleration. The extensive use of chrome detailing, bold tailfins, and distinctive grille styling reflected the era's fascination with futuristic design and automobile glamour. Inside, the car featured plush upholstery, spacious seating, and a range of comfort and convenience options such as power windows and advanced (for the time) heating and ventilation systems. This blend of features illustrated DeSoto's intent to appeal to consumers seeking prestige, distinctive style, and dependable performance in a full-size coupe.