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

The car stands at a height of 1400 mm (55.1 inches), paired with a ground clearance of 142 mm (5.6 inches). This relatively low height gives the coupe a sleek, aerodynamic profile in line with the styling trends of the era. Meanwhile, the ground clearance is adequate for smooth urban and highway conditions but less suitable for rough or uneven terrain, which is common for passenger coupes of its time.

The 1959 DeSoto Firedome III Two-Door Sportsman weighs approximately 1844 kg (4066 lbs) curb weight. This relatively heavy weight for a two-door coupe is due to the robust construction, sizeable chassis, and the large V8 engine typical of the Firedome series. While the weight contributes to a stable and solid ride on highways, it might reduce agility and acceleration compared to lighter cars, reflecting its design focus on comfortable cruising rather than sporty performance.

Standard modern garages typically measure around 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) in width. The 1959 DeSoto Firedome III is 5616 mm (5.616 meters or approximately 18.4 feet) long and 1999 mm (1.999 meters or 6.56 feet) wide. As a result, it generally fits comfortably within the length of a standard garage and leaves some room for maneuvering. However, its width is close to 2 meters, so it might feel snug inside a standard 3-meter wide garage, but still manageable for most modern garages designed for typical passenger cars.

Compared to the earlier Firedome models (primarily from 1957-1958), the 1959 Firedome III Two-Door Sportsman saw a slight increase in length and width, enhancing its road presence. The 1959 facelift brought more aerodynamic styling with subtle refinements in exterior design, while dimensions like the 5616 mm length and 1999 mm width were maintained or slightly increased. This evolution reflected the trend toward larger, more comfortable luxury coupes. The overall height and ground clearance remained similar, preserving the car's low-slung sporty aesthetic.

The 1959 DeSoto Firedome III Two-Door Sportsman features considerable size compared to many contemporaries. For example, Chevrolet Bel Air two-door coupes from the same era are typically shorter and lighter, with lengths around 5.3 meters (about 210 inches) and lower curb weights. The Firedome's nearly 5.62 meter (221 inch) length and approximately 1844 kg weight place it in the larger, more luxurious segment of American coupes, similar in stature to cars from Chrysler and Buick offering V8 power and spacious interiors.

Thanks to its substantial dimensions — length of 5616 mm (221.1 inches), width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches), and height of 1400 mm (55.1 inches) — the 1959 DeSoto Firedome III offers a spacious interior, especially for front passengers. The wide body allows for comfortable seating with ample shoulder room, while the coupe configuration focuses on style and driver engagement. Rear seat space is somewhat less generous than front, a standard characteristic of two-door sportsman coupes of this era, but remains adequate for short trips or smaller passengers.

With a ground clearance of 142 mm (5.6 inches), the 1959 DeSoto Firedome III has a relatively low stance typical of sporty coupes aiming for a sleek silhouette and stable handling at speed. This ride height allows a lower center of gravity which improves cornering stability and highway handling. However, the clearance is modest for dealing with rough roads or speed bumps, meaning cautious navigation is needed on uneven surfaces. The suspension tuning supports smooth cruising, prioritizing comfort alongside the stylish, aerodynamic profile.

The curb weight of 1844 kg (4066 lbs) imparts a solid, substantial feel to the 1959 DeSoto Firedome III Two-Door Sportsman, influencing both fuel efficiency and driving dynamics. Heavier weight means that the car requires more power to accelerate and more energy to stop, which generally results in moderate fuel consumption, typical of large V8-equipped coupes of the late 1950s. Driving dynamics benefit from this weight by providing a composed, smooth ride with less susceptibility to road imperfections, though it slightly reduces nimbleness and quick response compared to lighter competitors.

The 1959 DeSoto Firedome III Two-Door Sportsman facelift introduced refined styling touches such as updated grille designs, sleeker bumper profiles, and subtle tailfin adjustments enhancing its modern appeal in the late 1950s car market. Mechanically, it retained the powerful V8 engine characteristic of the Firedome series, ensuring strong performance. Luxury and comfort features were typically enhanced, offering improved interiors with better materials and instrumentation to match the evolving expectations of upscale coupe buyers. These updates preserved the model’s blend of sporty looks and full-size comfort.