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

The width of the 1959 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman is 1999 mm, which is approximately 78.7 inches. This relatively wide stance enhances the car’s road stability and complements its classic design, giving it an imposing and elegant appearance on the road. The wide body also allows for a spacious cabin, allowing for comfortable seating of five adults across two rows.

The 1959 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman stands 1402 mm tall, which is about 55.2 inches. This relatively low height, especially for a large sedan, contributes to a sleeker profile that was popular in late 1950s car styling. While the lower roofline gives the Firedome a sportier look compared to some bulkier sedans, it still maintains adequate headroom for passengers. The height balance also helps reduce wind resistance for better cruising efficiency.

The curb weight of the 1959 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman is 1867 kg, equivalent to around 4118 lbs. This substantial weight reflects the era's focus on heavy, robust construction with ample steel and metal trim, which provided durability but made the car feel dense and solid on the road. The heavier weight impacts acceleration, braking, and fuel efficiency, but offers a smooth and stable ride characteristic of many full-size American sedans from the 1950s.

The 1959 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman has a ride height or ground clearance of 142 mm (approximately 5.6 inches). This clearance is moderate and typical for sedans of that era, balancing between providing a comfortable ride and enough ground clearance to handle uneven road surfaces without risking damage to the undercarriage. It also helps maintain a lower center of gravity for better handling stability.

Standard garages typically measure about 2400 mm (8 feet) in width and 4800 mm (16 feet) in length. The 1959 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman, with a length of 5616 mm (221.1 inches) and a width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches), is quite long but fits within the standard garage width with room to spare. However, the length exceeds the depth of some standard garages, meaning it may require a larger or extended garage to fit comfortably without protruding.

Compared to its predecessor, the Firedome II from earlier model years, the Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman saw subtle updates in styling but largely retained similar dimensions. Both generations shared a full-size sedan profile with lengthy bodywork and wide stance. Specific changes might reflect minor adjustments in length or height due to design facelifts, but overall, the Firedome III maintained the spaciousness and commanding dimensions characteristic of the Firedome line from the late 1950s.

The 1959 DeSoto Firedome III was comparable in size to other American full-size sedans of the late 1950s such as the Chrysler Windsor and Dodge Coronet. Its length of 5616 mm (221.1 inches) and width of nearly 2 meters (78.7 inches) aligned well within the full-size category, which generally featured long, wide bodies, spacious interiors, and a low roofline for aesthetics. The Firedome’s ride height and weight also fit the pattern of prioritizing comfort and a smooth ride over lightweight or compact design.

The 1959 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman is noted for its classic late-50s American sedan design featuring a long, wide body with sleek, low height for improved styling. It offered a robust V8 engine, heavy steel construction for a solid feel, and roomy seating for five. Additionally, the facelift introduced modernized grille and trim styling, enhancing its luxury appeal. Its size and weight lend a comfortable ride suited for cruising long distances, while the styling reflects the era's love for bold automotive design.

When comparing the 1959 DeSoto Firedome III with other 1950s full-size sedans, key points include its distinctive styling with the 1959 facelift, its robust and heavy build, and its spacious interior. Compared to competitors, the Firedome stands out through its unique design language and solid engineering, but its large size requires consideration for garage space and maneuverability in modern traffic. Restoration may involve sourcing parts consistent with its specific model year and trim, and its weight and size will affect fuel economy and handling compared to smaller cars.