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

Production
Model Year:1958
Production Years:1957 - 1958 discontinued in 1958
1450 mm57.1 in4.8 ft
L: 5552 mm218.6 in18.2 ft | W: 1989 mm78.3 in6.5 ft
Length
5552 mm218.6 in18.2 ft
Width
1989 mm78.3 in6.5 ft
Height
1450 mm57.1 in4.8 ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 1958 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:5552 mm218.6 in18.2 ft
Width:1989 mm78.3 in6.5 ft
Height:1450 mm57.1 in4.8 ft
Ground Clearance:140 mm5.5 in0.5 ft
Weight Specifications
Curb Weight:1867 kg4116 lbs
Useful Information

About 1958 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman

The 1958 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman is a classic American sedan that blends mid-century style with solid engineering. Produced between 1957 and 1958, this particular facelift model embodies the elegance and robust presence typical of late 1950s automobiles. The Firedome III stands out with its impressive dimensions, measuring 5552 mm (218.5 inches) in length, 1989 mm (78.3 inches) in width, and 1450 mm (57.1 inches) in height. These proportions give it a commanding road presence while offering ample interior space suited for families or comfortable cruising. Weighing in at 1867 kg (4119 lbs) curb weight, the vehicle reflects a substantial build quality indicative of its era, ensuring stability and durability. The ride height or ground clearance is 140 mm (5.5 inches), providing reasonable clearance for various road conditions without compromising the car’s sleek lines. The Firedome III’s design conveys a sense of luxury through its spacious four-door configuration and carefully styled bodywork, making it a favored choice among sedan enthusiasts of its time. For those comparing classic sedans or exploring vintage car sizes, the 1958 DeSoto Firedome III is a noteworthy example of American automotive craftsmanship and design focus on comfort, size, and road presence.

Exceptional Features

1958 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1958 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman a leader in its class

Powerful V8 Engine

The 1958 DeSoto Firedome III is equipped with a 361 cubic inch HEMI V8 engine, delivering robust performance and smooth power suitable for its era.

Distinctive Styling with Facelift Design

The facelifted 1958 model features updated front grille and tailfin designs, reflecting the classic late-1950s American car aesthetics with chrome accents and bold lines.

Spacious Four-Door Sportsman Body

This model offers a roomy four-door sedan configuration, providing comfort and practicality for passengers with ample interior space.

Advanced Safety Features

For its time, the Firedome III includes innovations such as dual brakes and improved suspension systems to enhance driving safety and stability.

Luxury Interior Appointments

Inside, the Firedome III boasts upscale materials, comfortable seating, and stylish dashboard design, emphasizing a premium driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.

The 1958 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman measures 5552 mm (218.5 inches) in length, 1989 mm (78.3 inches) in width, and 1450 mm (57.1 inches) in height. These dimensions reflect the typical large sedan size of the late 1950s, offering a spacious interior and significant road presence.

The 1958 DeSoto Firedome III has a curb weight of approximately 1867 kg (4119 lbs). This relatively heavy weight for a sedan of its era contributes to a solid and stable ride, typical of American cars designed for comfort. However, the weight may result in less nimble handling compared to lighter vehicles.

The ride height or ground clearance of the 1958 DeSoto Firedome III is 140 mm (5.5 inches). This clearance is adequate for smooth urban roads and highway driving, but it may not be well-suited for rough or unpaved roads as low ground clearance can increase the risk of underbody damage.

A standard residential garage generally has interior dimensions around 2438 mm (8 feet) wide by 4877 mm (16 feet) deep. The 1958 DeSoto Firedome III is 1989 mm (78.3 inches) wide and 5552 mm (218.5 inches) long. While the width fits comfortably, the length exceeds typical garage depth, meaning it may be a tight fit or may protrude from standard garages unless the garage is deeper than average.

Compared to the previous generation DeSoto Firedome models (from early-to-mid 1950s), the 1958 Firedome III is slightly longer and wider, reflecting the era's trend of increasing vehicle dimensions for enhanced passenger comfort and road presence. These dimensional changes provided more interior space and a more luxurious feel, while retaining the robust styling cues typical of DeSoto sedans.

The 1958 DeSoto Firedome III, at 5552 mm (218.5 inches) long and 1989 mm (78.3 inches) wide, is broadly comparable to other American full-size sedans of the period, such as the 1958 Chrysler New Yorker or the 1958 Oldsmobile 98. While sizes varied slightly, full-size sedans then commonly exceeded 5.4 meters (213 inches) in length and were nearly two meters wide, placing the Firedome III right in the middle of its competitive set.

As a full-size sedan, the 1958 DeSoto Firedome III comfortably seats six passengers with its two rows of bench seats. Its substantial length and width translate to generous legroom and shoulder room inside, making it ideal for family use or chauffeured driving, typical of premium sedans of the era.

The 1958 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman is classified as a full-size sedan. It embodies the characteristics of 1950s American cars with its large dimensions, substantial curb weight, and a focus on passenger comfort and smooth ride quality.

The 1958 facelift for the DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman introduced updated front and rear styling, including a more pronounced grille and modified tail fins, reflecting the late 1950s design trends. These refinements enhanced the car's visual appeal without significantly altering the core dimensions or mechanical components of the model.

Due to its large size—over 5.5 meters (18 feet) long and nearly 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide—the 1958 DeSoto Firedome III can be challenging to maneuver and park in tight modern urban environments. Narrow streets, compact parking spaces, and crowded city areas require more careful handling. However, its classic design makes it appealing for collectors and enthusiasts.

Alternatives

Similar Sized Generations

Discover similar sized cars.