1952 DeSoto Firedome I Convertible Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1952
Production Years:1951 - 1952 discontinued in 1952
1667 mm65.6 in5.5 ft
L: 5293 mm208.4 in17.4 ft | W: 1902 mm74.9 in6.2 ft
Length
5293 mm208.4 in17.4 ft
Width
1902 mm74.9 in6.2 ft
Height
1667 mm65.6 in5.5 ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 1952 DeSoto Firedome I Convertible, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:5293 mm208.4 in17.4 ft
Width:1902 mm74.9 in6.2 ft
Height:1667 mm65.6 in5.5 ft
Ground Clearance:229 mm9.0 in0.8 ft
Useful Information

About 1952 DeSoto Firedome I Convertible

The 1952 DeSoto Firedome I Convertible is a distinguished classic car from the early 1950s, embodying the elegance and style of the era with its distinct cabriolet body type. Produced between 1951 and 1952, this model was part of the Firedome series, known for combining robust performance with luxury appeal. As a convertible, the Firedome I offers an open-top driving experience complemented by its considerable size and presence on the road.

The vehicle measures an impressive 5293 mm (approximately 208.5 inches or 17.4 feet) in length, providing a roomy and comfortable cabin and enhancing its sleek road stature. Its width stands at 1902 mm (74.9 inches), offering a stable and commanding stance while ensuring ample interior space. With a height of 1667 mm (65.6 inches), the Firedome I Convertible maintains a balanced profile, contributing to its aerodynamic silhouette and ease of entry and exit for passengers.

Ground clearance is marked at 229 mm (9 inches), which is quite generous for a convertible of its time, helping to navigate various road conditions without compromising the ride comfort. These dimensions reflect both utility and style, reinforcing the Firedome I Convertible as a desirable classic cabriolet for vintage car collectors and enthusiasts.

Whether compared against other 1950s convertibles or later models, the DeSoto Firedome I stands out for its solid build and well-proportioned design. It successfully blends the charm of mid-20th-century automotive design with practical measurements that have made it an iconic vehicle to this day. Its size makes it a spacious option for collectors interested in classic American convertibles with a commanding presence.

Exceptional Features

1952 DeSoto Firedome I Convertible Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1952 DeSoto Firedome I Convertible a leader in its class

Powerful V8 Engine

The 1952 DeSoto Firedome I Convertible is equipped with a robust 276 cubic inch HEMI V8 engine, delivering approximately 160 horsepower for solid performance.

Convertible Design

This model features a stylish two-door convertible body, allowing open-air driving and classic 1950s styling with a soft top that can be retracted.

Advanced Suspension System

Equipped with a torsion bar front suspension and leaf spring rear setup, providing a smooth ride with good handling characteristics for its era.

Distinctive Styling

Characterized by chrome accents, aggressive front grille, and sleek lines, the Firedome I Convertible exemplifies mid-century American automotive design.

Spacious and Comfortable Interior

The interior offers seating for up to five passengers with plush bench seats, upscale trim, and a well-designed dashboard featuring a classic instrument cluster.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

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The 1952 DeSoto Firedome I Convertible measures 5293 mm (208.4 inches) in length, 1902 mm (74.9 inches) in width, and 1667 mm (65.6 inches) in height. These dimensions highlight the classic large convertible styling typical of early 1950s American cars, providing a spacious exterior presence on the road and a roomy interior cabin.

The ground clearance of the 1952 DeSoto Firedome I Convertible is 229 mm (9 inches). This comparatively generous ride height means the car handles well on a variety of road surfaces, which was important for the road conditions of the era. It allows for decent clearance over bumps, curbs, and uneven terrain while maintaining a smooth ride quality.

With a width of 1902 mm (74.9 inches), the DeSoto Firedome I Convertible is relatively wide, reflecting its status as a full-size American car from the early 1950s. This width provides a stable driving experience but can make maneuvering through narrow city streets, tight parking spaces, and heavy traffic more challenging compared to smaller modern vehicles.

At a height of 1667 mm (65.6 inches), the DeSoto Firedome I Convertible is moderately tall for a convertible of its era. This height contributes to a commanding presence on the road and provides ample headroom for passengers. However, when the convertible top is raised, attention should be paid to garage clearances and overhead obstacles due to this relatively tall stature.

The DeSoto Firedome I Convertible's dimensions—length of 5293 mm (208.4 inches), width of 1902 mm (74.9 inches), and height of 1667 mm (65.6 inches)—are quite large. Most standard residential garages are designed for modern compact or midsize cars, with typical interior dimensions around 5486 mm (18 feet) length and 2438 mm (8 feet) width. While the length fits within typical garage dimensions, the width leaves limited extra space for opening doors comfortably, and the height of the convertible top may also need consideration when raised. Owners may find it fits but with less clearance than modern vehicles.

While exact weight data for the 1952 DeSoto Firedome I Convertible is not specified here, vehicles of this class and era typically weighed between 1700 to 2000 kg (3750 to 4400 lbs). Such mass meant the car had solid road presence and ride comfort but could result in moderate acceleration performance and relatively low fuel efficiency by today's standards. The large V8 engine usually offered strong torque to compensate for the weight, aiding in smooth cruising.

The 1951 model, effectively the first year of the Firedome series, is often considered the initial version of this generation and shares dimensions very similar to the 1952 model. The Firedome series did not have an earlier generation within DeSoto’s lineup; therefore, 1951 and 1952 model years reflect the same generation with minor updates. Both model years share the large size typical of early 1950s luxury convertibles, with no significant dimensional changes between them.

The Firedome I Convertible’s dimensions—5293 mm (208.4 in) length, 1902 mm (74.9 in) width, and 1667 mm (65.6 in) height—place it squarely within the full-size category alongside contemporaries like the Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible and Ford Crestline Convertible of the early 1950s. Its dimensions are comparable or slightly larger in length and width, providing ample interior space and road presence. Its styling and proportions align with the trends of American luxury and performance convertibles of that era.

The 1952 DeSoto Firedome I Convertible featured a classic post-war American style with flowing lines and chrome embellishments typical of the era. It was powered by DeSoto’s newly introduced HEMI V8 engine that delivered strong performance and smooth acceleration. The convertible roof allowed for open-air driving, and the spacious cabin featured comfortable seating and upscale interior details reflecting DeSoto’s position as a mid-level luxury brand in the Chrysler family.

The Firedome I Convertible’s large dimensions (length 5293 mm/208.4 in, width 1902 mm/74.9 in) contribute to a stable and comfortable ride but also require more space to maneuver. Its wide track can challenge parking in tight urban spaces, while the greater length requires careful turning and clearance awareness. The generous ground clearance (229 mm/9 in) also aids in handling road irregularities but does not influence turning radius. Drivers used to modern compact cars often find such sized convertibles require more cautious spatial awareness.

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