1946 DeSoto Custom Brougham Dimensions, Size & Specs

At 1923 mm (75.7 inches) wide, the DeSoto Custom Brougham is wider than many modern sedans and compact SUVs, offering a spacious cabin but requiring more caution when maneuvering through tight spaces such as narrow city streets or compact parking lots. Its generous width contributes to stability and comfort but might make parking in cramped urban garages more challenging compared to smaller contemporary vehicles.

The DeSoto Custom Brougham stands 1687 mm (66.4 inches) tall, a height that provides ample headroom and a commanding driving position typical for sedans of its era. While the elevated height enhances interior comfort, it produces a larger frontal area, contributing to less aerodynamic efficiency relative to lower, more streamlined modern cars, impacting fuel economy and wind noise at higher speeds.

With a length of 5265 mm (207.3 inches), the DeSoto Custom Brougham is quite long by today's standards, similar to modern full-size sedans or even some SUVs. While this length provides a comfortable interior and elegant styling, it means the vehicle has a larger turning radius, requiring more space for parking and making tight urban maneuvers somewhat more challenging.

Most standard residential garages have interior widths around 2438 mm (96 inches) and depths around 5182 mm (204 inches). At 1923 mm (75.7 inches) wide and 5265 mm (207.3 inches) long, the DeSoto Custom Brougham will fit width-wise without issue but may slightly exceed typical garage depth by about 83 mm (3.3 inches), potentially requiring careful positioning or a slightly larger garage to accommodate comfortably.

Compared to its immediate pre-war predecessor, the DeSoto Custom Brougham (1946-1949) usually maintained similar dimensions since post-war vehicles often retained pre-war chassis and body dimensions due to manufacturing constraints. However, some subtle increases in overall length and width might be noted, reflecting evolving consumer preferences for roomier interiors and more imposing appearances in the post-war automotive market.

When compared to contemporaries such as the 1946 Chrysler Windsor or Plymouth Special Deluxe, the DeSoto Custom Brougham is similarly sized with a length of approximately 5265 mm (207.3 inches) and width near 1923 mm (75.7 inches). This puts it in the full-size sedan class, offering comparable passenger space and road presence, although styling and brand positioning gave it a more upscale appearance relative to some competitors.

The expansive exterior dimensions of the DeSoto Custom Brougham translate into generous interior space, particularly in terms of legroom and shoulder room for passengers. The wide and long body permits comfortable seating for five adults, with ample headroom owing to its height of 1687 mm (66.4 inches). The sedan layout focuses on luxury and comfort, typical of DeSoto's reputation in the late 1940s.

The DeSoto Custom Brougham from 1946 to 1949 is a traditional full-size American sedan embodying luxury and comfort. Positioned as an upscale model within the DeSoto lineup, it targets buyers looking for a sophisticated and spacious vehicle with classic styling cues of the immediate post-war era, such as a large grille, chrome trim, and roomy interiors.

The 1946-1949 DeSoto Custom Brougham typically weighs approximately 1,814 to 1,960 kg (4,000 to 4,320 lbs), depending on options and body style details. It was usually powered by a robust straight-six or V8 engine, delivering adequate power for the large sedan. The combination of weight and engine tuning provided a balance between smooth cruising capability and respectable mid-range performance typical of luxury sedans of that time.