1946 DeSoto Custom 7-Passenger Dimensions, Size & Specs

With a width of 1956 mm (77.0 inches), the 1946 DeSoto Custom was wide even by the standards of its time. Most sedans from the late 1940s tended to be narrower, generally around 1800 to 1900 mm (70.9 to 74.8 inches). This extra width contributed to improved interior comfort, especially for a 7-passenger layout, allowing roomier seats and easier ingress and egress for passengers.

Yes, with a height of 1700 mm (66.9 inches), the 1946 DeSoto Custom's stature falls within the typical range for full-size sedans of its period. The height provides a comfortable upright seating position and ample headroom for passengers, which was important for a 7-passenger vehicle. It also contributes to the car's stately and imposing exterior profile.

While precise weight figures for the 1946 DeSoto Custom 7-Passenger model vary, it is estimated to weigh roughly between 1850 to 2100 kg (4082 to 4629 pounds), typical for large sedans with extended seating capacity. This substantial weight provides a smooth, stable ride but also means the car requires a powerful engine to maintain good performance. The heavier build results in less nimble handling but adds to comfort and road presence.

Given its length of 5723 mm (225.3 inches or about 18.75 feet), width of 1956 mm (77 inches or 6.4 feet), and height of 1700 mm (66.9 inches or 5.6 feet), the 1946 DeSoto Custom is on the larger side compared to modern vehicles. Most modern single-car garages have lengths around 5400–6000 mm (18–20 feet) and widths near 2700–3000 mm (9-10 feet), so the Custom can fit but with limited space around it. Maneuvering and parking require care, but it generally fits into standard-sized garages.

The 1946 DeSoto Custom 7-Passenger was the first post-war model and represented a continuation and slight evolution from pre-war designs rather than a radical change in size. Compared to the last pre-war Custom models, the 1946 version retained similar overall dimensions, with only modest tweaks in length and styling. The focus was primarily on maintaining spaciousness and passenger comfort while modernizing the design for the post-war market.

The 1946 DeSoto Custom's length of 5723 mm (225.3 inches) placed it among the larger sedans of its time, comparable to cars like the Chrysler Imperial and Cadillac Series 62. While somewhat longer and wider than many competitors, DeSoto aimed to offer extra passenger room, especially with the 7-passenger configuration. Other full-size sedans typically ranged from 5200 mm to 5700 mm in length, making the Custom slightly more spacious.

The 1946 DeSoto Custom is specifically configured as a 7-passenger sedan, meaning it has three rows of seating designed to comfortably seat seven adults. The generous exterior dimensions translate into spacious legroom and headroom across all rows, enhanced by wide door openings for easier access. This configuration was especially popular for families or professionals requiring additional passenger capacity without compromising on comfort.

As a post-WWII luxury sedan, the 1946 DeSoto Custom featured solid build quality, a powerful inline-6 or V8 engine option, and premium interior appointments for its time. It emphasized spaciousness and comfort, with carefully crafted external styling that balanced traditional and modern aesthetics. The 7-passenger seating was a notable feature allowing more practical use for families or business, and it was positioned as an accessible luxury car within the Chrysler family portfolio.

Compared to today's large sedans, the 1946 DeSoto Custom is longer and wider than many modern full-size cars but maintains a relatively high height, consistent with the styling trends of its era. Modern sedans often emphasize more aerodynamic and compact designs, but the DeSoto's boxier shape and larger interior space reflect the priorities of comfort and luxury of the late 1940s. Today, it would be considered a classic full-size sedan with proportions that emphasize roominess and stately presence.