1946 DeSoto Custom Suburban Dimensions, Size & Specs

With a width of 1956 mm (77 inches), the DeSoto Custom Suburban is wider than many contemporary sedans of the 1940s. This wider stance provided enhanced stability on the road and a more comfortable interior cabin for passengers. However, it also meant that maneuvering and parking could require extra caution, especially on narrow streets or traditional garages designed for smaller cars of that period.

The DeSoto Custom Suburban stands 1700 mm (66.9 inches) tall, which offers ample headroom inside, making for a comfortable seating experience for passengers of varied heights. The relatively tall height compared to other sedans of its time also gives it a dignified and robust exterior profile, contributing to its classic post-war design themes.

Standard residential garages are typically designed with an internal width around 2400 mm (about 94.5 inches) and a length of approximately 6000 mm (236 inches). Given the DeSoto Custom Suburban's length of 5723 mm (225.3 inches) and width of 1956 mm (77 inches), it would fit into a standard garage, but with limited clearance on all sides. The car's larger size means care is needed when maneuvering it inside, especially considering the door openings and space needed for comfortable movement around the vehicle.

The Custom Suburban that debuted in 1946 marked the resumption of full-size DeSoto production following World War II. Compared to pre-war models such as the 1942 DeSoto Custom, the 1946-1949 version features a slightly longer and wider body, emphasizing a more spacious and luxurious feel. The post-war design adopted more streamlined styling and increased interior roominess, jumping ahead in dimensions by several centimeters in length and width, resulting in a more comfortable ride.

During the late 1940s, the DeSoto Custom Suburban was among the larger sedans available, with its length of 5723 mm (225.3 inches) and wide body making it more spacious than many contemporaries such as the Chevrolet Fleetline or Ford Super Deluxe. Its substantial dimensions symbolized prestige and luxury, often appealing to buyers looking for a roomy and stately vehicle. The design combined elegance with robustness, setting it apart in an era where many manufacturers focused on more compact or moderate-sized cars.

Beyond its impressive size, the 1946-1949 DeSoto Custom Suburban is recognized for its durable construction and classic styling cues such as rounded fenders and a prominent grille, reflecting post-war automotive design trends. It typically came equipped with a straight-six or V8 engine, providing competitive performance for its class. The interior was designed for comfort with plush seating and generous legroom, appealing to families or executives seeking a luxurious and dependable sedan.

The generous exterior dimensions of the DeSoto Custom Suburban translate into a spacious interior environment. The length of 5723 mm (225.3 inches) and width of 1956 mm (77 inches) allow for roomy seating arrangements, with ample legroom and shoulder room for both front and rear passengers. Its height of 1700 mm (66.9 inches) ensures comfortable headroom, which, combined with classic seat cushioning and cabin design of the era, offers a pleasant ride for the occupants.

While exact weight figures for the 1946-1949 DeSoto Custom Suburban vary depending on configuration, its large dimensions suggest a substantial curb weight typical of full-size sedans of the era, often ranging around 1700 to 2000 kg (3750 to 4400 lbs). This mass contributes to a solid and stable ride but can also affect acceleration and fuel consumption. The wide track and length, however, help with road stability and handling, making the driving experience comfortable at typical cruising speeds of the period.

The DeSoto Custom Suburban's size is substantial by modern compact and mid-size standards but aligns more with larger full-size cars or SUVs today. It can generally fit in most contemporary two-car garages, which often exceed standard dimensions used in the 1940s and 1950s. Urban use might be challenging due to its length (5723 mm / 225.3 inches) and width (1956 mm / 77 inches), requiring careful navigation in tight city spaces and parking lots. Enthusiasts often store these vehicles in dedicated spaces or larger garages designed for classic or vintage automobiles.