1959 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sedan (facelift 1959) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1959 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sedan is approximately 1853 kg (4083 lbs). This weight was typical for full-size sedans of that era, contributing to a stable and comfortable ride. The mass impacts acceleration and fuel consumption, but the car’s V8 engine was designed to handle this weight while offering smooth power.

The ride height or ground clearance of the 1959 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sedan is approximately 142 mm (5.6 inches). This clearance allowed the vehicle to handle standard urban and suburban road conditions of its time, though it might be challenged by rough terrain or steep obstacles. It's appropriate for paved roads and mild irregularities.

With a length of 5616 mm (220.9 inches) and width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches), the 1959 Firedome III is quite large by today's standards. Standard modern home garages are typically about 6 meters (20 feet) long and 3 meters (10 feet) wide, so the Firedome fits lengthwise with some clearance (about 38 cm or 15 inches extra) but widthwise it may be a snug fit, especially considering side mirrors and door opening space. Owners might find maneuvering inside a standard garage tight but possible if careful.

The 1959 Firedome III retained much of the size and stature from its predecessor (1957-1958 Firedome generations), including similar overall length and width. The facelift emphasized styling changes rather than dimensional shifts, so there was no significant increase or decrease in exterior size. The continuity in dimensions ensured familiar interior space and road presence while offering updated aesthetics.

The 1959 DeSoto Firedome III's length of 5616 mm (220.9 inches) and width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches) places it firmly within the large full-size sedan category. Comparable vehicles from Chrysler's stable and rival brands like Chevrolet Bel Air or Ford Fairlane had similar dimensions, with lengths typically between 5.4 to 5.7 meters (213 to 224 inches). The Firedome’s size reflected the era’s taste for spacious, comfortable vehicles that emphasized road presence and passenger room.

While exact interior dimensions for the 1959 Firedome III are not typically detailed, its large exterior size translates to generous interior passenger space. The four-door sedan layout provided ample room for five passengers, with wide bench seats standard front and rear. Headroom and legroom were designed to accommodate tall adults comfortably, consistent with full-size sedans of the period renowned for roomy interiors.

The 1959 DeSoto Firedome III was powered by a V8 engine, known for delivering solid performance for a full-size sedan in the late 1950s. Engine displacement was typically around 325 cubic inches (5.3 liters), providing robust power and smooth operation. It was paired with automatic or manual transmissions, delivering a balance of power and drivability. The engine emphasized reliability and comfort rather than outright speed.

Given its substantial length (5616 mm / 220.9 inches) and width (1999 mm / 78.7 inches), the 1959 Firedome III is significantly larger than many modern sedans, which often range closer to 4.8 to 5 meters in length and are narrower to better navigate tight city streets. This size gives the Firedome a grand, comfortable ride but makes maneuvering in dense urban environments and parking in compact spaces more challenging than contemporary cars.

The ride height of 142 mm (5.6 inches) strikes a balance between providing ground clearance for typical road irregularities and maintaining a low center of gravity for handling stability. This height contributes to a smooth and stable ride, characteristic of classic American sedans of the era. While not suited for off-road or highly uneven terrain, it handles paved roads and gentle bumps with comfort.