1956 DeSoto Firedome II Four-Door Sedan (facelift 1956) Dimensions, Size & Specs

Standard residential garages in the U.S. often have widths around 2,400 to 2,700 mm (8 to 9 feet) and lengths near 6,000 mm (20 feet), which means that with a width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches) and length of 5535 mm (217.9 inches), the 1956 DeSoto Firedome II Four-Door Sedan fits comfortably into most standard single-car garages. Its ride height of 1539 mm (60.6 inches) and ground clearance of 160 mm (6.3 inches) poses no issues with typical ceiling heights, making it well-suited for enclosed parking spaces common during both its era and today.

The 1956 DeSoto Firedome II Four-Door Sedan has a curb weight of approximately 1749 kg (3855 lbs). This weight is quite typical for large full-size sedans from the mid-1950s, which commonly ranged from around 1,600 to over 2,000 kg depending on luxury features and size. The Firedome II’s weight reflects its robust construction, sizeable engine options, and comfort-focused amenities, balancing solid road presence with the heft expected of American sedans during this period.

The 1956 DeSoto Firedome II sits at a ground clearance of 160 mm (6.3 inches). This moderate ride height was typical of sedans designed for comfortable highway cruising and city driving in the 1950s. It provides enough clearance to handle uneven road surfaces without sacrificing stability or aerodynamic performance. The ride height balances the need for a smooth ride with providing sufficient clearance for everyday driving conditions, including rural roads, and mild obstacles like speed bumps.

With a width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches), the 1956 DeSoto Firedome II offers a broad and comfortable cabin space, which was a hallmark of American cars from that era. The wide stance not only enhances road stability but also allows for spacious seating arrangements inside. It comfortably accommodates three passengers in the front bench seat and similarly in the rear, providing generous shoulder room and a commanding view from the interior, ideal for family or chauffeur-driven use.

The 1956 DeSoto Firedome II saw subtle updates compared to its predecessors with a slightly more refined design but maintained similar overall dimensions. For example, the 1955 model was comparably sized but the 1956 facelift improved styling and interior comfort rather than drastically changing the footprint. The length of 5535 mm and width of 1989 mm closely mirrors previous Firedome sedans, emphasizing continuity and maintaining the large sedan segment appeal while updating aesthetics for mid-decade trends.

In comparison with contemporaries like the 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air or the Ford Fairlane, the DeSoto Firedome II is within the same size class but tends to be slightly larger in length and width. While the Chevrolet Bel Air measured around 5,170 mm (203.5 inches) in length, the Firedome II's length of 5535 mm (217.9 inches) provided added passenger and trunk space. This positioned the DeSoto as a more spacious option in the full-size sedan market, often appealing to buyers desiring more room and luxury.

The height of the 1956 DeSoto Firedome II is 1539 mm (60.6 inches), which contributes to its relatively low and sleek profile for a full-size sedan of that era. This height allowed designers to create a stylish long-hood, short-deck silhouette favored in the mid-1950s, giving it a low-slung look that complemented chrome detailing and tail fins. In terms of aerodynamics, sedans from the 1950s were not optimized for drag, but this height helped reduce wind resistance somewhat compared to taller, boxier designs.

The 1749 kg (3855 lbs) curb weight coupled with its large dimensions means the 1956 DeSoto Firedome II offers a solid and stable driving experience, common in American sedans of the time. The weight contributes to a smooth, planted ride, especially on highways, but it also means higher fuel consumption typical for V8-powered sedans of the 1950s, as heavier vehicles require more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Drivers experienced comfortable cruising at the expense of fuel economy, reflecting the priorities of luxury and road presence.

Thanks to its substantial width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches) and generous length of 5535 mm (217.9 inches), the 1956 DeSoto Firedome II offers ample interior room with comfortable seating for up to six passengers on spacious bench seats front and rear. Headroom and legroom are ample due to its height of 1539 mm (60.6 inches), making it suitable for long drives. The cabin was designed with comfort and luxury in mind, featuring quality materials and thoughtful ergonomics for driver and passengers alike.