1951 DeSoto Custom II Sportsman Coupe Dimensions, Size & Specs

The DeSoto Custom II Sportsman Coupe features a ground clearance of 210 mm (8.3 inches). This ride height is relatively generous for a coupe, offering a smooth ride over uneven or rough road surfaces without the risk of underbody damage. The 210 mm clearance enhances the car’s ability to tackle minor road obstacles and general urban driving with confidence. While it's not as high as modern SUVs, this ground clearance strikes a balance suitable for comfortable cruising and the road conditions common in the early 1950s.

A standard residential garage typically accommodates vehicles with dimensions up to approximately 2438 mm (8 feet) in width and 4877 mm (16 feet) in length. The DeSoto Custom II Sportsman Coupe, measuring 1908 mm (75.1 inches) wide and 5290 mm (208.3 inches) long, fits comfortably in terms of width but is slightly longer than standard garage lengths by about 413 mm (16.3 inches). While many garages can accommodate it with some space adjustments, owners of this classic coupe might find tighter clearances and possibly need a deeper or custom garage space for easier parking and door access.

Compared to its predecessor, the 1950 DeSoto Custom, the 1951-1952 Custom II Sportsman Coupe maintained a similar footprint with subtle dimension changes. Generally, the Custom II model was slightly longer and wider, contributing to a more elegant and spacious interior. For example, the 1950 model was around 5220 mm (205.5 inches) long, making the Custom II some 70 mm (2.8 inches) longer, adding to passenger comfort and luggage capacity. These updates distinguished the Custom II generation by modernizing the vehicle’s design without sacrificing the classic large-car feel.

When compared to contemporaries such as the 1951 Chevrolet Bel Air or the 1951 Ford Victoria Coupe, the DeSoto Custom II Sportsman Coupe is notably larger. For instance, the 1951 Chevrolet Bel Air measured approximately 5250 mm (206.7 inches) long and 1890 mm (74.4 inches) wide, slightly shorter and narrower than the DeSoto. Similarly, the 1951 Ford Victoria was about 5150 mm (202.8 inches) long and 1850 mm (72.8 inches) wide. This makes the DeSoto a more substantial and imposing vehicle, offering increased interior space and road presence compared to many of its peers.

Given its generous exterior dimensions—5290 mm (208.3 inches) long and 1908 mm (75.1 inches) wide—the interior of the DeSoto Custom II Sportsman Coupe is spacious for a two-door vehicle from its era. The ample width translates to comfortable seating arrangements, giving enough shoulder room for both front and rear passengers. The height of 1660 mm (65.4 inches) ensures reasonable headroom. Coupled with the elongated body, the coupe offers generous legroom, making it suitable for long drives with both driver and passenger comfort in mind for a classic car.

While specific curb weight figures for the Custom II Sportsman Coupe are not always detailed, vehicles of this size and era generally weighed between 1600 to 2000 kg (3527 to 4410 lbs). This heavy build contributes significantly to a smooth and stable ride, absorbing road irregularities well. The coupe’s weight combined with its 210 mm (8.3 inches) ground clearance provides a solid, planted feel on highways and urban roads alike. The suspension design typical of the early 1950s was oriented toward comfort, favoring a cushioned experience over sporty handling.

At 1660 mm (65.4 inches) tall and with a ground clearance of 210 mm (8.3 inches), the 1951 DeSoto Custom II Sportsman Coupe stands taller and has a higher ride height than many modern coupes, which generally average around 1350–1400 mm (53–55 inches) in height and have a lower ground clearance of roughly 120–150 mm (4.7–6 inches). The higher stance on the DeSoto reflects design preferences of the 1950s when cars often sat higher off the road to handle less developed roadways. Today’s lower, more streamlined coupes prioritize aerodynamics and sportier handling.

For the early 1950s, the DeSoto Custom II Sportsman Coupe was considered a full-sized car. Its overall length of 5290 mm (208.3 inches) and width of 1908 mm (75.1 inches) placed it firmly in the large car category, intended to offer spacious interiors and a commanding road presence. Full-sized cars dominated the American market during this period, offering comfort and luxury to buyers. By today’s standards, this might be closer to a large sedan or even a mid-sized luxury coupe depending on specific dimensions, but in its time, it was decidedly full-sized.

The DeSoto Custom II Sportsman Coupe distinguished itself with a blend of size, styling, and comfort. Its generous dimensions—5290 mm (208.3 inches) length, 1908 mm (75.1 inches) width, and 1660 mm (65.4 inches) height—gave it a larger-than-average cabin and a stately profile. Design-wise, it combined sleek coupe styling with a relatively high ground clearance of 210 mm (8.3 inches), giving it a poised yet robust appearance. Compared to smaller or mid-sized coupes, the Custom II provided a more spacious and comfortable ride with a traditional American limousine feel, appealing to buyers looking for luxury, space, and elegance in a two-door package.