| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1955 |
| Production Years: | 1954 - 1955 discontinued in 1955 |
Precise measurements of the 1955 DeSoto Firedome II Convertible, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5535 mm217.9 in18.2 ft |
| Width: | 1989 mm78.3 in6.5 ft |
| Height: | 1539 mm60.6 in5.0 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 160 mm6.3 in0.5 ft |
The 1955 DeSoto Firedome II Convertible stands as an iconic example of mid-1950s American automotive design, epitomizing the style and elegance of its era. Produced between 1954 and 1955, the Firedome II Convertible is a striking cabriolet with substantial dimensions that contribute to its commanding road presence. Measuring 5535 millimeters (217.8 inches) in length, this classic vehicle offers ample space and a long, sleek profile that complements its luxurious open-air design. With a width of 1989 millimeters (78.3 inches), the car provides a broad stance that enhances stability and road grip, while its height of 1539 millimeters (60.6 inches) gives it a low-slung, sporty appearance that was popular in convertibles of the era. Ground clearance is 160 millimeters (6.3 inches), providing a balance between a comfortable ride and sufficient clearance for daily driving conditions. The Firedome II Convertible features design cues typical of 1950s American cars, including smooth flowing lines, chrome accents, and a spacious cabin designed for driver and passenger comfort. Its size and proportions not only make it a visually impressive vehicle but also ensure a comfortable driving experience with generous interior space. This model is a true classic cabriolet that draws attention for its timeless design and well-rounded dimensions, representing an important chapter in DeSoto’s storied history. Whether admired for its aesthetic or analyzed for its size, the 1955 DeSoto Firedome II Convertible remains a fascinating collector's car and a representative of the golden age of American convertibles.
Discover the standout features that make the 1955 DeSoto Firedome II Convertible a leader in its class
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The 1955 DeSoto Firedome II Convertible measures 5535 mm (217.9 inches) in length and 1989 mm (78.3 inches) in width. These dimensions position the Firedome II Convertible as a fairly large vehicle for the mid-1950s, providing a spacious interior and a commanding road presence typical of American convertibles of that era.
The height of the 1955 DeSoto Firedome II Convertible is 1539 mm (60.6 inches), which adds to its elegant convertible silhouette. The ride height or ground clearance is 160 mm (6.3 inches), which is adequate for smooth city and highway driving but might be somewhat limited for rough terrain. These dimensions contribute to the vehicle's sporty yet comfortable ride quality.
Standard residential garages typically have door widths around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (8 to 9 feet) and ceiling heights around 2.1 to 2.4 meters (7 to 8 feet). With a width of 1989 mm (1.989 meters or 6.5 feet) and a height of 1539 mm (1.54 meters or about 5 feet), the 1955 DeSoto Firedome II Convertible will fit comfortably in most standard garages. Its length of 5535 mm (18.16 feet) is somewhat long but still within normal garage depth if the garage is of a typical size or larger.
Compared to its predecessor, the earlier Firedome model produced before the 1954-1955 generation, the 1955 Firedome II Convertible saw a modest increase in length and width, providing more interior space and a more modern, streamlined design. The exact difference in dimensions varies slightly depending on the specific earlier year, but generally, the Firedome II had a length of 5535 mm and width of 1989 mm, slightly larger than prior models, which contributed to improved comfort and road presence.
The 1955 DeSoto Firedome II Convertible stood out for its large size and bold styling when compared to similar mid-1950s convertibles like the Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible or Ford Fairlane Convertible. Its substantial length of 5535 mm (217.9 inches) and nearly 2-meter width made it one of the larger cars in the convertible segment. The Firedome II offered a blend of luxury and performance with its spacious interior and classic wraparound windshield design, often favored by buyers looking for a more upscale American convertible experience.
The DeSoto Firedome II Convertible produced from 1954 to 1955 represents an important phase in the brand’s history, showcasing the transition to more modern styling cues like integrated tail fins and a new grille design. This generation incorporated innovations in both design and performance, aiming to compete in the mid-priced American automobile market. The Firedome II was known for its powerful V8 engine options and stylish cabriolet body style, making it a desirable vehicle for consumers during its production period.
The 1955 DeSoto Firedome II Convertible features a roomy interior typical of large American convertibles from the 1950s. It offers seating for up to six passengers, including a spacious front bench seat and a comfortable rear bench. Due to its width of nearly 2 meters (78.3 inches), the cabin provides generous shoulder room and legspace. This spaciousness, combined with the open-air design of the convertible, made it an attractive option for families and individuals desiring comfort and style.
Specific curb weight figures for the 1955 DeSoto Firedome II Convertible vary but typically range between 1800 kg to 2000 kg (approximately 3968 lbs to 4409 lbs). This relatively high weight for a convertible is due to the robust body construction and luxury features included during the era. The large V8 engine in the Firedome II was tuned to deliver enough power to manage this weight efficiently, providing good acceleration and highway cruising capability typical of mid-1950s American cars.
The fuel tank capacity of the 1955 DeSoto Firedome II Convertible is approximately 70 liters (18.5 gallons). Considering the fuel consumption characteristics of 1950s V8 engines, which generally averaged around 8 to 12 miles per gallon (mpg) or approximately 19 to 29 liters per 100 kilometers, this fuel tank size allowed for reasonable driving range between refueling stops. Drivers could typically expect to cover around 300 to 400 kilometers (185 to 250 miles) on a full tank under mixed driving conditions.
The 1955 DeSoto Firedome II Convertible generally came equipped with tires sized around 7.00-14, typical for the mid-1950s large cars, providing a balance of ride comfort and road handling. The wheelbase for this generation measured around 3143 mm (123.7 inches), contributing to its stable ride and spacious interior. These dimensions support the vehicle's overall large size and reinforce its smooth and comfortable driving dynamics typical of American convertibles in that period.
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