1958 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sedan (facelift 1958) Dimensions, Size & Specs

With a width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches), the 1958 DeSoto Firedome III is wider than many modern mid-size sedans, which typically range between 1800 mm and 1900 mm (about 71 to 74.8 inches). This increased width offers greater cabin space but can make parking and maneuvering in tight urban areas more challenging by today's standards. The wide body means the driver needs to be cautious with narrow streets, parking spots, and garages, especially since cars today are often more compact. Despite its size, the Firedome's width was common among large American sedans of the late 1950s, emphasizing road presence and interior comfort.

The 1958 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sedan has a curb weight of approximately 1842 kg (4060 lbs). This weight is typical for large, full-sized sedans of the late 1950s, built with heavy steel bodies and substantial chassis components. The relatively hefty weight contributes to a solid, stable ride quality and offers a feeling of durability and robustness. However, it also impacts acceleration, fuel economy, and handling. The car was designed for comfort and smooth cruising rather than sporty performance. Drivers can expect moderate agility, with the engine and suspension tuned for relaxed highway driving instead of sharp cornering.

The vertical dimensions of the 1958 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sedan are 1450 mm (57.1 inches) in height and a ground clearance of approximately 140 mm (5.5 inches). The modest height contributes to a classic, streamlined look typical of late 1950s sedans, offering sufficient headroom inside while maintaining an aerodynamic profile for its time. The 140 mm ground clearance is adequate for typical paved road conditions, providing enough clearance to navigate most urban and suburban driving environments without risking damage to the underside but not designed for off-road use. Overall, these measurements reflect a balance between spacious comfort and road handling considerations.

Fitting the 1958 DeSoto Firedome III into a standard residential garage depends on the garage's dimensions. With a length of 5552 mm (218.5 inches or about 18.2 feet) and width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches), this sedan is quite large. Standard single-car garages often range around 6000 mm (20 feet) deep and 3000 mm (10 feet) wide, so lengthwise, it will generally fit but will require careful parking to allow room for opening doors and moving around the vehicle. The width is within typical garage width, but it’s important to note the wide overall body and potential side mirrors. Door clearance space may be limited especially in narrower garages, so drivers should assess their particular garage dimensions to ensure comfortable fitting.

Compared to the previous generation DeSoto Firedome models produced before 1957, the 1958 'Firedome III' received a subtle facelift but largely retained similar dimensional characteristics. The length of approximately 5552 mm (218.5 inches) and width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches) were consistent with or slightly increased over predecessor models, reflecting a trend towards slightly larger, more stylish sedans in the late 1950s. The height and curb weight remained in a familiar range, ensuring that changes focused more on styling and mechanical updates rather than drastic size alterations. Overall, the 1958 Firedome III maintained the brand’s full-size sedan footprint with enhancements to design but minimal shifts in physical size.

The 1958 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sedan sits comfortably in the full-size sedan category, comparable to contemporaries like the Chrysler Windsor, Pontiac Catalina, and Buick Special in terms of size and mass. Its length of 5552 mm (218.5 inches) and weight of 1842 kg (4060 lbs) are very close to these peers, which typically measured between 5300-5700 mm (209-224 inches) in length and weighed between 1700 kg and 1900 kg (3750 to 4200 lbs). The Firedome’s width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches) gave it a solid road presence similar to these competitors. Differences often lay more in styling, engine performance, and brand prestige rather than size, with the Firedome providing a roomy, comfortable ride typical of American sedans from its production era.

The interior of the 1958 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sedan is spacious, designed to comfortably accommodate up to six passengers—typically seating three in the front bench seat and three in the rear bench seat. Thanks to its substantial exterior width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches), shoulder and hip room are generous for a sedan of its time, offering ample space for adult passengers front and rear. The car’s length and relatively low floor height also aid legroom and overall passenger comfort. Additionally, the cabin features classic 1950s styling cues, combining comfort and elegance with space for personal belongings and a roomy trunk for luggage.

While specific trunk volume figures for the 1958 Firedome III sedan are not broadly documented, full-size sedans of this era, including the Firedome, generally offered generous trunk space due to their long rear overhangs. The length of 5552 mm (218.5 inches) provides a substantial platform allowing for a large and deep trunk suitable for everyday needs such as grocery runs, luggage for road trips, and other cargo. The trunk opening is typically wide, making loading and unloading easier compared to smaller cars. Owners can expect the Firedome III sedan to offer practical storage capacity typical of American sedans in the late 1950s, balancing passenger space with usable cargo volume.

The 1958 DeSoto Firedome III introduced a facelift that included updated front and rear styling—marked by revised grille designs, bumper styling, and trim details—to keep the model fresh and competitive in the marketplace. While the overall dimensions remained consistent with prior models, these aesthetic changes stood out. Mechanically, the Firedome III continued to use powerful V8 engines characteristic of the Firedome series, delivering respectable performance and smooth operation for its class. Suspension and chassis tuning favored a comfortable ride over sporty dynamics. The combination of style refresh and retained mechanical strengths made the 1958 Firedome III a compelling choice for buyers seeking a large, stylish, and reliable American sedan.