1951 DeSoto Custom II Suburban Dimensions, Size & Specs

The DeSoto Custom II Suburban features a ground clearance of 210 mm (8.3 inches). This relatively high ride height for a sedan allows the vehicle to clear most urban obstacles and uneven road surfaces with ease, contributing to a smoother and more comfortable ride, as well as enhancing its usability on less-than-perfect roads, which were more common in the early 1950s. The clearance also adds to the car’s robust and durable character, making it a practical choice for suburban and city driving conditions of its era.

The 1951-1952 DeSoto Custom II Suburban, measuring 5699 mm (224.4 inches) in length, 1934 mm (76.1 inches) in width, and 1680 mm (66.1 inches) in height, is quite large by today’s standards. Standard residential garages typically have internal dimensions around 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) in width, which can accommodate this vehicle in terms of width and height comfortably. However, the length might be a tight fit, especially in older or smaller garages. It’s advisable to measure the garage beforehand, but generally, it should fit into a standard American garage built post-1950s, albeit leaving limited extra space.

Compared to its predecessor, the earlier Custom models of the late 1940s, the 1951-1952 DeSoto Custom II Suburban is larger overall, especially in length and width. The increase in length to 5699 mm (224.4 inches) and width to 1934 mm (76.1 inches) represents a growth that enhances passenger comfort and interior space, which was a trend in American post-war cars aiming for more luxury and spaciousness. The increase in height to 1680 mm (66.1 inches) also improves headroom. These dimensional upgrades make the Custom II Suburban a more commanding and roomy vehicle compared to the earlier generation.

When compared to similar American sedans from the early 1950s, such as the Chrysler Windsor or Pontiac Chieftain, the DeSoto Custom II Suburban is among the longer and wider models. With a length of 5699 mm (224.4 inches) and width of 1934 mm (76.1 inches), it stands out for offering generous cabin space. Many contemporaries hovered around slightly shorter lengths, typically in the 5300-5600 mm range, thus the DeSoto’s slightly larger size provided a more spacious interior ideal for comfortable family or suburban use. Its stature epitomizes the 1950s American full-size luxury sedan.

The DeSoto Custom II Suburban measures 1680 mm (66.1 inches) in height. This relatively tall stance contributes significantly to a spacious and airy interior cabin, allowing for ample headroom for both front and rear passengers. The increased height also complements the wide body, making the cabin feel more comfortable for occupants. Additionally, the tall profile integrates well with the design aesthetics of the early 1950s, enhancing the vehicle’s imposing road presence while ensuring passengers enjoy a roomy environment.

With a width of 1934 mm (76.1 inches), the DeSoto Custom II Suburban presents a wide and stable track. This wider dimension improves vehicle stability, especially at higher speeds, and provides increased shoulder room inside the cabin, allowing three across seating possibilities typical of the era. However, this broader width requires more space when maneuvering through narrow streets or parking, which was less of a challenge in the 1950s when road and parking spaces tended to be larger. Overall, the width balances stability and spaciousness effectively.

The long length of 5699 mm (224.4 inches) of the DeSoto Custom II Suburban gives it a presence and ride quality associated with luxury and spaciousness but poses challenges in tight urban environments. Parking in cramped city spaces can be difficult, requiring more caution and skill. This size was typical of post-war American full-size sedans that prioritized interior comfort and smooth ride over compact dimensions. While suburban and highway driving highlight the vehicle’s advantages, urban navigation demands more patience and maneuvering skill.

Yes, the ride height of 210 mm (8.3 inches) on the DeSoto Custom II Suburban is relatively typical for full-size American sedans of the early 1950s. This clearance allowed the car to handle a variety of road conditions, from urban streets to uneven suburban roads, offering a comfortable ride quality. Such a ride height also contributed to easier ingress and egress for passengers. Compared to modern sedans which tend to have lower ground clearance for aerodynamic efficiency, the DeSoto’s clearance reflected the road conditions and design priorities of its time.

The DeSoto Custom II Suburban was primarily available as a full-size sedan during its 1951-1952 production period. This classic four-door sedan body style emphasized passenger comfort and ease of access, making it suitable for families and suburban use. As a substantial and luxurious vehicle in the DeSoto lineup, the Custom II Suburban combined traditional styling with roomy interiors that were characteristic of post-war American automotive design. Limited alternative body styles were offered under the Custom II designation, with the Suburban variant being a notable model for its space and presence.