| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1956 |
| Production Years: | 1955 - 1956 discontinued in 1956 |
Precise measurements of the 1956 DeSoto Firedome II Four-Door Sportsman, 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 1956 DeSoto Firedome II Four-Door Sportsman represents a striking example of mid-1950s American automotive design and engineering. This facelifted generation, produced from 1955 to 1956, maintains the signature elegance and robust stature typical of DeSoto sedans of the era. With an overall length of 5,535 mm (approximately 217.9 inches), it offers a spacious and commanding presence on the road. The width measures 1,989 mm (78.3 inches), providing a roomy interior and stable driving dynamics, while the height stands at 1,539 mm (60.6 inches), combining a balanced silhouette with comfortable cabin headroom. Ground clearance for the Firedome II Sportsman is 160 mm (6.3 inches), sufficient for urban and suburban roads of its time, ensuring a smooth ride over various conditions. This model exudes classic American car proportions — long, wide, and relatively low — that emphasize both style and spaciousness in a full-size sedan package. As a four-door sedan, it was designed to accommodate families or executives seeking luxury and practicality. Measuring all primary exterior dimensions, the DeSoto Firedome II Four-Door Sportsman remains a noteworthy reference point for size comparison among vintage sedans from the 1950s, reflecting the era's preference for larger, more comfortable automobiles with a commanding road presence.
Discover the standout features that make the 1956 DeSoto Firedome II Four-Door Sportsman a leader in its class
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The 1956 DeSoto Firedome II Four-Door Sportsman features an overall length of 5535 mm (217.9 inches), a width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches), and a height of 1539 mm (60.6 inches). These dimensions give the Firedome II a spacious presence typical for American full-size sedans of the mid-1950s, providing ample interior space for passengers and a commanding road presence.
The 1956 DeSoto Firedome II Four-Door Sportsman has a ride height or ground clearance of approximately 160 mm (6.3 inches). This moderate ground clearance allowed the vehicle to handle typical road conditions of the time comfortably without compromising stability or drive comfort.
With a width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches), the 1956 DeSoto Firedome II was considered quite wide compared to many other sedans from the mid-1950s. This width contributes to a roomy cabin interior, improving passenger comfort, and also lends the car a bold, luxurious stance on the road.
At 1539 mm (60.6 inches) tall, the Firedome II maintains a fairly low roofline for a sedan of its time, which helps in achieving a sleek look and reduces wind resistance slightly. The relatively moderate height also makes entering and exiting the vehicle comfortable for passengers while keeping a lower center of gravity to aid in driving stability.
Most modern garages have a door width of around 2438 mm (96 inches) and height of approximately 1981 mm (78 inches). Given the Firedome II's width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches) and height of 1539 mm (60.6 inches), it will generally fit into a standard garage with room to spare in terms of height. However, the vehicle’s width is somewhat wide, so it may be a tight fit on either side depending on garage width and storage items inside.
Compared to the earlier DeSoto Firedome models produced before 1955, the 1956 Firedome II Four-Door Sportsman featured slightly longer and wider body dimensions, reflecting the automotive trend toward bigger, more spacious cars in the mid-1950s. This enlargement enhanced interior room and road presence, marking a significant evolution in comfort and style from the predecessor.
The 1956 DeSoto Firedome II's length of 5535 mm (217.9 inches) and width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches) positioned it competitively among full-size American sedans such as the 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air and the 1956 Ford Fairlane, which had similar length and widths but slight variations. The Firedome's dimensions offered a balance of interior space and road presence that was typical for the era’s American full-size models.
The 1956 DeSoto Firedome II in the Four-Door Sportsman variant is a full-size sedan. This body style emphasizes passenger space and comfort, with four full doors for easy access to front and rear seats. It was designed as a family or luxury sedan, combining style, space, and practicality for mid-1950s American consumers.
The 1956 DeSoto Firedome II Four-Door Sportsman was produced during a relatively short production period from 1955 to 1956. This generation represented a facelift and refinement of the DeSoto Firedome line, featuring updated styling and dimensions reflective of mid-1950s automotive trends.
Notable features of the 1956 DeSoto Firedome II Four-Door Sportsman include its distinctive mid-1950s styling with pronounced fins, chrome detailing, and a spacious interior typical of American full-size sedans of the era. The facelift included updated front and rear fascias, giving it a fresh appearance. These features combined luxury with the bold aesthetic trends of the 1950s automotive market.
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