1949 DeSoto Custom 8-Passenger (Second Series) Dimensions, Size & Specs

At 1867 mm (73.5 inches) wide, the 1949-1950 DeSoto Custom 8-Passenger is wider than many modern midsize sedans but comparable to some full-size models today. Its wider stance provides both a spacious cabin and a commanding road presence, which was typical of luxury or well-appointed cars of that era.

The DeSoto Custom 8-Passenger (Second Series) sedan was designed to seat eight passengers comfortably. This typically meant three rows of bench seats, with ample legroom and headroom given the vehicle’s generous exterior dimensions. The car was ideal for large families or group transport, a popular configuration before the widespread adoption of station wagons and SUVs.

With a height of 1700 mm (66.9 inches), the 1949-1950 DeSoto Custom 8-Passenger sedan offers a relatively tall cabin for its time. This height translates into improved headroom for passengers, contributing to a comfortable and airy interior atmosphere, which was important for an 8-passenger vehicle aiming to provide full comfort across three seating rows.

At 5685 mm (223.7 inches) long, the DeSoto Custom 8-Passenger (Second Series) is quite a long vehicle by modern standards. This length can make parking and tight maneuvers more challenging, especially in urban environments with limited space. However, during its era, longer cars were common and appreciated for their spaciousness and luxury, though they demanded more skillful handling.

Most standard residential garages today measure around 2400 mm (8 feet) in width and 5400 mm (18 feet) in length. Given the DeSoto Custom 8-Passenger’s length of 5685 mm (223.7 inches/18.7 feet), it exceeds the typical garage length by approximately 285 mm (11 inches). Therefore, fitting this vehicle into a standard garage would be tight or may require a slightly larger or customized garage space. Its width of 1867 mm (73.5 inches) is generally manageable in standard garages.

The second series DeSoto Custom 8-Passenger (1949-1950) maintained a similar large size profile compared to its predecessor, emphasizing roomy interiors and a commanding exterior. While the exact predecessor model dimensions vary slightly, the 1949 iteration featured post-war aerodynamic styling with subtle design changes. Dimensionally, it stayed comparable or slightly larger, improving passenger space and road presence without drastically altering the vehicle's footprint.

Compared to similar large sedans from other American manufacturers in the late 1940s, like the Chrysler Town & Country or Buick Roadmaster, the 1949-1950 DeSoto Custom 8-Passenger was competitive in its class. Its length of 5685 mm (223.7 inches) and width of 1867 mm (73.5 inches) were on par with or slightly more generous than many competitors, giving it an edge in passenger comfort especially with its eight-passenger seating layout.

The DeSoto Custom 8-Passenger (Second Series) is a full-size sedan produced between 1949 and 1950. Designed primarily for families or groups requiring abundant seating capacity, it served as a luxury or premium sedan option within the DeSoto lineup. Its purpose was to combine spaciousness with style, comfort, and the solid build quality expected from American sedans of the post-war era.

Owning a large eight-passenger sedan such as the DeSoto Custom (Second Series) offers several benefits distinct from smaller sedans or early SUVs. Primarily, it provides ample seating for large families or groups without the need for multiple vehicles. The sedan format offers a smooth ride, luxury interior space, and classic styling. Compared to early SUVs, it typically offers better on-road handling and fuel efficiency for its time, while still delivering substantial passenger volume and comfort. However, the trade-offs include more challenging parking and maneuverability due to its size.