1949 DeSoto Custom 4-Door Sedan (Second Series) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The interior of the 1949-1950 DeSoto Custom 4-Door Sedan was designed for occupant comfort and generous space. With its long length of 5253 mm (206.8 inches), the sedan provided ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. Seating typically accommodated six passengers comfortably on bench seats, which were common in luxury vehicles of this period. The vehicle's interior width of 1862 mm (73.3 inches) allowed for spacious shoulder room, contributing to a comfortable ride even on longer journeys. The luxurious trim and well-cushioned seats further emphasized passenger comfort.

The DeSoto Custom 4-Door Sedan measures 1862 mm (73.3 inches) in width. While this width gives the vehicle a commanding, stable presence on the road and contributes to a spacious cabin, it could present challenges when maneuvering or parking in tight urban environments, especially considering narrower city streets and parking spaces of the era. Drivers would need to be cautious in confined spaces, but the car's overall handling was designed to be manageable given its size. For typical 1940s and 1950s American suburban or highway driving, the width was well suited.

The vehicle stands at 1687 mm (66.4 inches) tall. This height reflects the styling trends of the era, with a slightly elevated roofline that enhances headroom and gives the car an imposing and stately appearance. The relatively moderate height helps maintain good driver visibility since the large windows and upright windshield provide a broad visual field. However, for garage storage, the height is a consideration especially if roof racks or additional accessories are installed. Despite this, the height is within ranges that are typical for mid-century sedans, hence not posing unusual difficulties.

With its length of 5253 mm (206.8 inches), width of 1862 mm (73.3 inches), and height of 1687 mm (66.4 inches), the 1949-1950 DeSoto Custom is sizeable compared to modern compact vehicles. Most standard home garages built today accommodate cars roughly up to 6 meters (about 20 feet) in length and around 2.4 meters (8 feet) in width, so the DeSoto Custom would fit within these confines, although with less extra space than smaller cars. Owners should ensure ample clearance for opening doors and walking around the vehicle, as well as for garage storage or mechanical access. Tight clearances might require careful parking.

The 1949-1950 DeSoto Custom represents the second series of the Custom model, succeeding pre-war and immediate post-war generations. Compared to its predecessor models, the 1949 Custom grew in overall size, gaining length and width to improve passenger room and road presence. While exact predecessor dimensions may vary, the post-war design shift prioritized larger, more modern body styles. This model's length of 5253 mm (206.8 inches) and width of 1862 mm (73.3 inches) marked an increase that reflected the era's trend toward bigger, more luxurious sedans. This improvement allowed for a more elegant design and greater comfort.

When compared to contemporaries such as the 1949 Packard, Buick Roadmaster, or Chrysler Imperial, the DeSoto Custom fits comfortably in the full-size luxury sedan category. Its length of 5253 mm (206.8 inches) sits close to these competitors, offering similarly spacious interiors and stately exterior proportions. The width of 1862 mm (73.3 inches) contributed to a wide cabin but was slightly narrower than some competitors' models, which enabled a more streamlined profile. Design-wise, the DeSoto emphasized elegant styling cues paired with significant passenger comfort, making it competitive within this segment during the early post-war era.

The 1949-1950 DeSoto Custom is offered as a 4-Door Sedan, a traditional and practical body style for families and executives alike post-World War II. This configuration provides easy access for both front and rear passengers and a spacious interior ideal for comfortable commuting or cruising. The sedan body style also helps with weather protection and trunk space for luggage or groceries. Its design focuses on providing a balanced combination of luxury, utility, and passenger ease, making the car a practical choice for everyday use and longer drives.

While specific weight figures for the 1949-1950 DeSoto Custom 4-Door Sedan vary by model and options, full-size sedans from this era typically weighed between 1800 to 2100 kg (approximately 3970 to 4620 lbs). This mass provides a solid feel on the road, contributing to the vehicle's smooth ride and stability at speed. However, the larger weight could somewhat impact acceleration and fuel efficiency, as engines of the time prioritized torque over outright speed. Overall, the vehicle was designed more for comfortable cruising and durability rather than sporty handling.

The 1949-1950 DeSoto Custom benefits from post-war automotive design improvements including an updated chassis, modernized body styling, and luxury-focused interior appointments. This generation was marked by smooth, flowing lines and a heavier emphasis on aerodynamics compared to pre-war models, giving it a contemporary and sophisticated appearance. Engineering-wise, DeSoto incorporated reliable inline six or V8 engines, robust suspensions tuned for comfort, and improved braking systems, making it a solid, dependable luxury sedan choice of the era. These features highlighted the transition from pre-war carriage to more modern automobiles.