1951 DeSoto Custom II 4-Door Sedan Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1951
Production Years:1951 - 1952 discontinued in 1952
1660 mm65.4 in5.4 ft
5290 mm208.3 in17.4 ft
Length
5290 mm208.3 in17.4 ft
Width
1908 mm75.1 in6.3 ft
Height
1660 mm65.4 in5.4 ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 1951 DeSoto Custom II 4-Door Sedan, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:5290 mm208.3 in17.4 ft
Width:1908 mm75.1 in6.3 ft
Height:1660 mm65.4 in5.4 ft
Ground Clearance:210 mm8.3 in0.7 ft
Useful Information

About 1951 DeSoto Custom II 4-Door Sedan

The DeSoto Custom II 4-Door Sedan, produced between 1951 and 1952, stands as a quintessential example of early 1950s American full-size sedans. This classic vehicle boasts a substantial length of 5290 mm (208.3 inches), making it a spacious car designed for comfort and presence on the road. Its width spans 1908 mm (75.1 inches), offering ample internal room for passengers and contributing to its broad, commanding stance. Standing at a height of 1660 mm (65.4 inches), the DeSoto Custom II maintains a balanced profile that complements its robust design while providing excellent headroom inside the cabin. The ride height, or ground clearance, is measured at 210 mm (8.3 inches), which is typical for sedans of this era, ensuring a comfortable ride over varied road surfaces. The DeSoto Custom II 4-Door Sedan was crafted to combine style and utility, with spaciousness that was well-suited to families and travelers seeking luxury and practicality in the early post-war automotive market. Its dimensions place it firmly in the full-size sedan class, reflecting both the design preferences and technological standards of its time. Overall, the DeSoto Custom II remains a remarkable vehicle that captures the essence of 1950s American automotive design, blending size, comfort, and vintage charm for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Exceptional Features

1951 DeSoto Custom II 4-Door Sedan Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1951 DeSoto Custom II 4-Door Sedan a leader in its class

Classic V8 Engine

The 1951 DeSoto Custom II 4-Door Sedan is equipped with a robust 237 cubic inch V8 engine, delivering smooth power and reliable performance typical of early 1950s American cars.

Stylish Exterior Design

Featuring a distinctive post-war design, the Custom II showcases sweeping chrome accents, rounded fenders, and a spacious four-door sedan layout that emphasizes both elegance and practicality.

Spacious Interior

The interior of the DeSoto Custom II offers ample seating for five passengers with comfortable bench seats and quality materials, ensuring a pleasant ride for both driver and passengers.

Smooth Ride Suspension

Equipped with an independent front suspension and semi-elliptic rear springs, the car provides a smooth and stable driving experience on various road conditions.

Advanced Features for Its Time

The 1951 model includes features such as vacuum-assisted brakes, windshield washers, and optional power accessories that were considered advanced conveniences during the era.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

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The 1951-1952 DeSoto Custom II 4-Door Sedan features a classic full-size sedan design with an overall length of 5290 mm (208.3 inches), a width of 1908 mm (75.1 inches), and a height of 1660 mm (65.4 inches). These dimensions reflect the substantial and spacious build typical of American sedans from the early 1950s, providing ample interior space while maintaining a presence on the road that is both stately and comfortable.

The DeSoto Custom II has a ground clearance of 210 mm (8.3 inches), which is relatively generous compared to modern sedans. This ride height allows the vehicle to navigate uneven road surfaces and modest obstacles with less risk of undercarriage damage. It contributes to a smoother ride over rough patches and provides confidence when driving in less-than-perfect road conditions commonly encountered during the era of its production.

Standard home garages typically measure around 2438 mm (8 feet) in width and about 5486 mm (18 feet) in length. The DeSoto Custom II, being 1908 mm (75.1 inches) wide and 5290 mm (208.3 inches) long, should fit comfortably into a standard garage with some space remaining for opening doors and maneuvering. However, the owner should consider the interior garage layout and potential shelving or storage which could reduce usable space.

Compared to the previous generation DeSoto Custom models produced before 1951, the Custom II maintained a similar full-size sedan footprint but with subtle refinements. While exact dimensions of previous models vary slightly by year, the 1951-1952 generation showed slight increases in width and height, contributing to a more spacious interior and refined presence. These incremental changes reflected the evolving post-war design trends aiming for increased comfort and road presence.

The DeSoto Custom II holds its own among contemporaries like the Buick Special, Chrysler Windsor, and Oldsmobile 88, which also occupied the full-size sedan segment in the early 1950s. The dimensions of the Custom II, with a length of 5290 mm (208.3 inches) and width of 1908 mm (75.1 inches), provide competitive interior roominess and comfort. Its ground clearance and build also give it a sturdy, commanding presence typical of the era's American sedans, balancing size with manageable driving characteristics.

The DeSoto Custom II measures 1908 mm (75.1 inches) in width. While this width provides a spacious interior for passengers and a wide stance for stability, it can present some challenges in narrow urban environments or tight parking spaces typical of mid-20th century city planning. Careful maneuvering and awareness are needed, but the vehicle overall remains manageable for standard parking scenarios, especially given its relatively modest length for a full-size sedan.

At 1660 mm (65.4 inches) high, the DeSoto Custom II offers good headroom typical of large sedans of the 1950s, ensuring passenger comfort without a cramped feeling inside the cabin. While the taller profile contributes to a strong road presence and ease of entry/exit, it also results in less aerodynamic efficiency compared to modern vehicles. However, aerodynamic considerations were less critical in the era's design philosophy focused more on style and interior space.

While specific weight figures for the DeSoto Custom II 4-Door Sedan vary slightly depending on options and exact configuration, full-size sedans from the early 1950s typically weighed between 1800 to 2000 kg (approximately 4000 to 4400 lbs). This weight results in stable road handling and a smooth ride but also means that fuel efficiency is modest by modern standards. The weight complements the robust construction and powerful engines typical of the era, emphasizing comfort and durability over economy.

The DeSoto Custom II offers a roomy interior consistent with full-size sedans of its time, characterized by wide bench seats and generous legroom, made possible by its 1908 mm (75.1 inches) width and 5290 mm (208.3 inches) length. Compared to modern sedans, while the overall interior volume might seem competitive, modern designs use space more efficiently with contoured seats, safety structures, and technology. The Custom II’s spacious classic interior emphasizes comfort and simplicity over modern multi-functionality.

The 1951-1952 Custom II generation incorporated mild increases in exterior dimensions over its predecessor, especially in width and height, resulting in improved interior roominess. These bigger dimensions allowed for more comfortable seating, increased shoulder room, and better head clearance, enhancing passenger comfort. Additionally, the overall balanced proportions provided a stable ride and reasonable trunk space for luggage. These refinements continued DeSoto's focus on blending style with functional comfort in the post-war automobile market.

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