1946 DeSoto Custom 4-Door Sedan Dimensions, Size & Specs

At 1923 mm (75.7 inches) wide, the DeSoto Custom 4-Door Sedan is relatively wide compared to many modern sedans, which typically range between 1800 mm and 1900 mm (70.9 - 74.8 inches). This extra width provides a more spacious cabin interior and a stable ride, although it might make maneuvering and parking in tight modern urban environments somewhat challenging.

The car stands 1687 mm (66.4 inches) tall, offering generous headroom inside the cabin. This relatively tall stature, especially for a sedan, enhances passenger comfort by providing a more upright seating position and an airy feel. Given the era's design priorities, the height also contributes to the car's stately, commanding presence on the road.

With a length of 5265 mm (207.3 inches), the DeSoto Custom 4-Door Sedan falls into the large full-size sedan category by both historical and modern standards. This length results in spacious front and rear passenger compartments as well as a sizeable trunk, catering to buyers seeking comfort and roominess, which were significant selling points for American sedans in the late 1940s.

Standard residential garages typically measure around 2400-2700 mm (8-9 feet) in width and 4800-5500 mm (16-18 feet) in length. Given the DeSoto Custom's dimensions—5265 mm (207.3 inches) long and 1923 mm (75.7 inches) wide—it will generally fit in most single-car garages in terms of length but may be tight width-wise, leaving limited clearance on each side. Larger or older garages might be more comfortable for parking this classic vehicle.

Compared to its immediate pre-war predecessor (1939-1942 models), the 1946-1949 DeSoto Custom was slightly longer and wider due to post-war design trends favoring bigger, more luxurious cars. Earlier models were often more compact with less pronounced dimensions. The increase in size allowed for improved interior comfort and styling updates, aligning the DeSoto Custom with the mid-century American sedan market expectations for roominess and road presence.

The DeSoto Custom’s dimensions put it right alongside other large American sedans like the Buick Super and Chrysler New Yorker of the late 1940s. Its length of 5265 mm (207.3 inches) and width of 1923 mm (75.7 inches) are comparable or marginally larger than many competitors, emphasizing its upscale, comfortable nature. This positioning made it competitive in a market where buyers valued spacious interiors and a distinguished, solid build.

The DeSoto Custom 4-Door Sedan is a large, full-sized sedan manufactured between 1946 and 1949. Typical of post-war American design, it showcases rounded body lines, a prominent chrome grille, and ample glass area for visibility. This generation was built with a focus on comfort, style, and status, featuring roomy seating, a powerful engine lineup for the era, and trim levels aimed at middle to upper-market buyers.

While specific weight figures vary by model and options, the DeSoto Custom 4-Door Sedan from this era generally weighs in the range of about 1700 to 1900 kg (approximately 3750 to 4200 lbs). This substantial weight contributes to a stable and smooth ride, prioritizing comfort over agility. The heavy build also reflects the solid steel construction typical of the time, which enhanced crash safety and durability but lowered fuel efficiency compared to modern vehicles.

The DeSoto Custom was positioned as the brand’s mid-level offering between the more affordable Deluxe and the luxury Diplomat series. It featured more upscale trim, longer wheelbase, and a higher level of equipment compared to the Deluxe, but less opulent than the Diplomat. The Custom emphasized a balance of style, comfort, and value, featuring distinct styling cues and interior finishes that set it apart within the DeSoto lineup of 1946-1949.