1957 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman Dimensions, Size & Specs

With an external height of 1448 mm (57.0 inches), the 1957 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman achieves a balance between a low-slung luxury appearance and practical interior headroom. This height provides a comfortable seating posture for passengers, contributing to an airy cabin feel while maintaining a streamlined profile that was fashionable in late 1950s American sedans.

The 1957 Firedome III measures 1986 mm (78.2 inches) in width, which gives it a substantial road presence and spacious cabin width to enhance passenger comfort. This wide stance benefits stability and handling on the road, providing a solid feel during driving while also allowing for generous seating space inside, which is a hallmark of large sedans from this era.

The ground clearance of the 1957 DeSoto Firedome III Four-Door Sportsman is 137 mm (about 5.4 inches). This moderate ride height was typical for sedans of its time, allowing the car to navigate common road conditions without difficulty while maintaining a lower center of gravity to improve handling. However, it may require more caution on uneven terrain or speed bumps compared to modern vehicles with higher clearance.

While specific weight data for the 1957 Firedome III is not detailed here, cars of this class and era typically weigh around 1700 to 1900 kilograms (3700 to 4200 pounds). This relatively heavy weight influences performance by providing a solid, stable ride but can also affect acceleration and fuel efficiency, given the larger V8 engines and heavier construction materials common at the time.

A standard residential garage is typically about 2400 mm (8 feet) wide and around 5400 mm (17.7 feet) deep. The Firedome III, at 5537 mm (17.9 feet) long and 1986 mm (6.5 feet) wide, will generally fit in length but may feel snug front to back, especially considering additional clearance for bumpers or mirrors. Width-wise, it fits comfortably since the garage width is significantly more than 1986 mm, making it feasible to park the Firedome inside a standard residential garage with some care.

Compared to earlier DeSoto Firedome models from before 1956, the 1957 Firedome III maintained similar overall proportions but saw slight refinements in styling that might have affected dimensions marginally. The length remained consistent around the mid-5500 mm mark, and the width stayed near 1980 mm, ensuring continuity in cabin space and road presence. These subtle changes allowed the Firedome III to be competitive while keeping the spacious and luxurious appeal of its predecessor.

In comparison to other full-size American sedans from the late 1950s, such as the Chevrolet Bel Air or Ford Fairlane, the Firedome III is generally on the larger end of the spectrum in length, with 5537 mm (217.9 in) surpassing many competitors. Its width at 1986 mm is also relatively broad. This combination made the Firedome III a statement car in terms of size and presence, offering more interior space and a commanding road stance typical of premium, full-size sedans of the period.

The 1957 DeSoto Firedome III was powered by a high-performance V8 engine known for providing robust power during its time. The Firedome V8 generally displaced around 5.2 liters (approximately 318 cubic inches), delivering solid horsepower and torque figures that made it a strong contender in the full-size sedan segment. Its performance emphasized smooth acceleration and a comfortable ride, aligning with its luxury and sporty appeal in the mid-1950s market.

The sizeable external dimensions of the Firedome III—length of 5537 mm (217.9 inches) and width of 1986 mm (78.2 inches)—translated to spacious passenger accommodation, typically seating six comfortably with bench seats front and rear. The interior was designed to offer generous legroom and headroom, contributing to its luxury appeal. Cargo capacity in the trunk was ample for a sedan of this class, suitable for extended trips or family use, adding practical value to this stylish automobile.