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

The vehicle measures 1867 millimeters (73.5 inches) in width. This relatively wide stance provides stability and a comfortable cabin width enhancing passenger comfort. The broad frame also contributes to a commanding appearance on the road.

Standing at 1700 millimeters (66.9 inches) tall, the DeSoto Custom Suburban offers generous headroom inside the cabin. This height ensures ease of entry and exit as well as a spacious, airy feel for all occupants, typical of sedans designed for comfort.

Given its length of 5685 mm (223.6 in), width of 1867 mm (73.5 in), and height of 1700 mm (66.9 in), the 1949 DeSoto Custom Suburban is larger than many modern vehicles and may require a garage with ample space. Standard single-car garages traditionally measure around 5400 mm (18 feet) in length and about 3000 mm (10 feet) in width. As a result, owners may need a spacious or custom-sized garage to comfortably house this sedan without issues.

Compared to the previous generation (produced before 1949), the 1949 DeSoto Custom Suburban (Second Series) was built with longer and wider body dimensions. This change reflected post-war design trends focusing on greater interior comfort and more substantial road presence. The second series model notably improved passenger space and styling, reinforcing DeSoto’s reputation for large, comfortable sedans. Exact prior generation numbers often show slightly smaller length and width, so this model is seen as a progressive increase in size and luxury.

The 1949 DeSoto Custom Suburban’s size was competitive among large sedans of the late 1940s. Its length of 5685 mm (223.6 in), width of 1867 mm (73.5 in), and height of 1700 mm (66.9 in) placed it alongside other full-size American sedans like the Chrysler Town & Country and Cadillac Series 62. While some luxury sedans were slightly longer or wider, the DeSoto balanced size and comfort well, offering spacious accommodation without reaching the excessive dimensions of some high-end luxury cars.

The 1949 DeSoto Custom Suburban’s substantial exterior dimensions translate into a notably roomy interior. With the extended length and wide body, the cabin comfortably accommodated six to eight passengers depending on seating configuration. There was ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, making it ideal for family or group travel. The car’s height of 1700 mm (66.9 in) provided a generous cabin volume, offering an airy feeling and ease of movement within the vehicle.

While exact curb weight figures for the 1949 DeSoto Custom Suburban vary, cars of its size and era typically weighed between 1800 kg to 2100 kg (approximately 4,000 to 4,630 lbs). This weight results from the large steel body, heavy drivetrain, and solid engineering of the time. The weight affects acceleration and fuel economy but generally contributes to a smooth, stable ride and solid road presence common among luxury sedans of the period.

The 1949 DeSoto Custom Suburban reflects late 1940s American automotive styling with rounded fenders, a broad grille, and a formal sedan silhouette. The design includes clean lines paired with chrome detailing and large windows to maximize visibility. Its significant size and height give it a stately presence. The rear ‘Suburban’ badge identifies it within DeSoto’s lineup as a premium model, combining practical sedan layout with upscale design cues.

The 1949 DeSoto Custom Suburban (Second Series) was primarily offered as a large, full-size sedan targeted at families and executives needing spacious transportation. It featured a four-door sedan body style with a robust frame designed for durability and comfort. Though it did not offer multiple body types like coupes or convertibles in this specific series, it was praised for accommodating passengers and cargo efficiently with its large footprint.