1949 DeSoto Custom Convertible Coupe (Second Series) Dimensions, Size & Specs

With a height of 1687 mm (66.4 inches), the 1949 DeSoto Custom Convertible Coupe sits taller than many modern coupes. This height contributes to a commanding driving position and allows for a roomy cabin with good headroom, even in the convertible configuration. However, the relatively tall stature compared to contemporary cars may require extra attention when navigating low-clearance areas or multi-story parking garages.

The car's width is 1862 mm (73.3 inches), which was quite substantial for its era. This width enhances interior shoulder room, enhancing comfort for passengers, and provides a stable footprint on the road. Additionally, the wide stance improves handling dynamics and gives the vehicle a notable road presence consistent with the luxury status of DeSoto at that time.

Standard garages typically range in width from approximately 2.4 to 2.7 meters (8 to 9 feet) and have a length of about 5.5 to 6 meters (18 to 20 feet). Given the DeSoto's dimensions—5253 mm (206.8 inches) in length and 1862 mm (73.3 inches) in width—it should fit within most standard single-car garages lengthwise, though it will be relatively wide inside, leaving less side clearance. Slight care is needed to ensure comfortable garage access without risking door dings.

Based on its generous exterior dimensions—length of 5253 mm (206.8 inches), width of 1862 mm (73.3 inches), and height of 1687 mm (66.4 inches)—the 1949 DeSoto Custom Convertible Coupe offers a spacious interior relative to many contemporaries. The width allows ample shoulder room for front and rear passengers, while the height benefits headroom, especially important in a convertible where roof structure is minimized. This results in a comfortable seating environment that balances style with passenger comfort.

Compared to its predecessor from the pre-1949 DeSoto Custom line, the 1949 Second Series Convertible Coupe shows a refined dimension set. While specific predecessor dimensions may vary slightly, the post-war model, including this iteration, embraced slightly larger overall size to accommodate improved styling and comfort features. Generally, the 1949 model is characterized by an increase in length and width, marking DeSoto's adaptation to post-war automotive trends emphasizing roomier passenger cars.

When compared to similar late-1940s American luxury convertibles such as the Cadillac Series 62 or the Buick Roadmaster, the 1949 DeSoto Custom Convertible Coupe stands competitive in size. For example, these comparable vehicles often ranged from roughly 5.1 to 5.5 meters (200 to 216 inches) in length and 1.85 to 1.90 meters (73 to 75 inches) in width. The DeSoto's 5253 mm (206.8 inch) length and 1862 mm (73.3 inch) width position it well within the luxury convertible segment, offering a good blend of spaciousness and style.

The dimensions of the 1949 DeSoto Custom Convertible Coupe, being quite large and imposing for the era, suggest a substantial curb weight, typical of American post-war luxury cars which often featured heavy steel construction and robust mechanical components. The wide stance (1862 mm / 73.3 in) and long wheelbase contribute to a smooth, stable ride, ideal for cruising. However, its considerable size and weight also mean that handling may feel less nimble compared to smaller vehicles, with greater turning radii and more momentum to manage during maneuvers.

The 1949 DeSoto Custom Convertible Coupe (Second Series) was available primarily in Cabriolet and Coupe body styles. The convertible (Cabriolet) version featured a folding soft top that slightly affected the vehicle's structural rigidity and interior volume, though dimensions like length, width, and height remained largely consistent between the two. The coupe version typically had a fixed roof, potentially offering slightly better insulation and rigidity. Both body styles share the same fundamental exterior dimensions: 5253 mm (206.8 inches) in length, 1862 mm (73.3 inches) in width, and 1687 mm (66.4 inches) in height.