1954 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe (facelift 1954) Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1954
Production Years:1953 - 1954 discontinued in 1954
1632 mm64.3 in5.4 ft
L: 5448 mm214.5 in17.9 ft | W: 1969 mm77.5 in6.5 ft
Length
5448 mm214.5 in17.9 ft
Width
1969 mm77.5 in6.5 ft
Height
1632 mm64.3 in5.4 ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 1954 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:5448 mm214.5 in17.9 ft
Width:1969 mm77.5 in6.5 ft
Height:1632 mm64.3 in5.4 ft
Ground Clearance:178 mm7.0 in0.6 ft
Useful Information

About 1954 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe

The 1954 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe is a distinguished model from the upscale American DeSoto brand, representing the classic design and engineering of the early 1950s. This generation of the Firedome, specifically the facelifted Sportsman Coupe version produced between 1953 and 1954, embodies a commanding road presence and classic coupe styling. Measuring 5,448 mm (214.6 inches) in length, 1,969 mm (77.5 inches) in width, and 1,632 mm (64.3 inches) in height, the Firedome Sportsman Coupe offers a spacious yet sleek profile typical of luxury coupes from its era. With a ground clearance of 178 mm (7.0 inches), it strikes a balance between a comfortable ride and a solid stance on the road. These dimensions not only highlight the car's elongated form and broad stance but also complement its muscular and elegant bodywork, characterized by vintage chrome accents and a distinctive silhouette. The Firedome Sportsman Coupe is an excellent representation of mid-century American automotive design, blending size, style, and performance for enthusiasts who appreciate both aesthetics and classic measurements.

Exceptional Features

1954 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1954 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe a leader in its class

Powerful V8 Engine

The 1954 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe is equipped with a 276 cubic inch HEMI V8 engine, delivering robust performance with approximately 160 horsepower, providing strong acceleration and highway capability.

Distinctive Facelift Styling

This facelifted 1954 model features updated chrome detailing, a redesigned grille, and elegant two-tone paint schemes, giving it a stylish and modern look that distinguished it from previous versions.

Spacious and Comfortable Interior

The Sportsman Coupe offers a roomy cabin with comfortable seating for five, high-quality upholstery, and a well-laid-out dashboard that enhances driver and passenger comfort during long drives.

Advanced Suspension System

It includes an improved torsion bar front suspension that provides a smoother ride and better handling compared to earlier models, contributing to a more enjoyable driving experience.

Safety and Convenience Features

The vehicle comes equipped with features such as power brakes (optional), dual sun visors, and a comprehensive instrument panel, reflecting the era's focus on driver safety and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

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The 1954 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe features a classic mid-1950s American coupe size with a length of 5448 mm (approximately 214.4 inches), a width of 1969 mm (around 77.5 inches), and a height of 1632 mm (about 64.3 inches). These dimensions reflect the bulky and roomy design preferences of the era, offering substantial road presence and spacious interior accommodations. Its wide stance and significant length contribute to a smooth, stable ride while maintaining an elegant and muscular exterior profile typical of DeSoto’s styling during the early 1950s.

The 1954 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe measures 5448 mm (214.4 inches) in length and 1969 mm (77.5 inches) in width. Standard garages in North America typically measure around 6 meters (20 feet) deep and 3 meters (10 feet) wide. Given its size, while the width of the Firedome Sportsman Coupe fits within the common single-car garage width, the length is close to or slightly exceeds the typical depth of 6 meters. This means parking the car comfortably requires a garage with enough clearance, and it might be a tight fit in smaller or older garages. The height of 1632 mm (64.3 inches) is generally not an issue for garage clearance.

The 1954 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe offers a ride height or ground clearance of 178 mm (7 inches). Compared to many modern coupes, which often have lower ground clearances around 120 to 140 mm (4.7 to 5.5 inches) to improve aerodynamics and handling, this clearance is relatively high. The higher ground clearance was typical of 1950s vehicles, designed to handle rougher roads and provide a more comfortable ride over varying terrains. This characteristic adds to its versatility but may reduce stability when cornering compared to low-profile modern sports coupes.

The DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe was produced primarily between 1953 and 1954, with the 1954 facelift representing the latest iteration of this generation. Production runs during the early 1950s were relatively short for many models, and DeSoto as a brand ceased production by 1961. As a result, the 1954 facelift model of the Firedome Sportsman Coupe is quite rare today, especially well-maintained or original versions. Its rarity adds historical and collectible value for classic car enthusiasts, representing a transitional design period before the brand’s eventual phase-out.

With a width of 1969 mm (77.5 inches), the 1954 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe was wider than many contemporaries. For comparison, the popular 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air sedan measured about 1997 mm (78.6 inches) in width, thus the Firedome was competitive and slightly narrower but still reflecting the wide, comfortable cabin space favored in the mid-20th century American automobiles. The broad width lent a spacious interior and helped contribute to a smooth ride and good road presence on highways of that era.

Compared to the pre-facelift 1953 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe, the 1954 facelift model maintained similar overall dimensions, with only subtle refinements to styling and trim. The length remained close to 5448 mm (214.4 inches) and the width about 1969 mm (77.5 inches). The facelift primarily focused on aesthetic updates such as grille design, chrome accents, and interior improvements rather than dramatic dimensional changes. Thus, the overall size and stance stayed consistent, preserving the roomy and imposing character of the car.

The 1954 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe stands at 1632 mm (64.3 inches) tall. This height is fairly typical for coupes of the 1950s, balancing aerodynamic styling with interior comfort. The relatively generous height allows for comfortable headroom for the front passengers without sacrificing the coupe’s sleek silhouette. Visually, this height provides a well-proportioned profile with noticeable roofline curvature, typical of sporty yet roomy coupes of the era.

Compared to similar mid-1950s American coupes such as the Chrysler Windsor and Buick Special, the 1954 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe holds its own with slightly competitive dimensions: its length of 5448 mm (214.4 inches) and width of 1969 mm (77.5 inches) offer ample interior space. Styling-wise, it leans toward a sportier appearance, enhanced by the facelift's updated chrome details and front grille design. Performance and luxury options differed but it was positioned as a mid-range, stylish coupe offering robust V8 performance, making it a strong competitor among its contemporaries from General Motors and Chrysler's lineup.

While specific curb weight figures for the 1954 Firedome Sportsman Coupe aren't widely documented, coupes of that era and size typically weighed between 1700 to 2000 kilograms (3750 to 4400 pounds). This substantial weight contributes to a smooth and stable ride but generally limits nimbleness and acceleration compared to lighter vehicles. Fuel efficiency for classic V8-powered DeSotos was modest by modern standards, with typical figures around 10-15 miles per gallon (mpg). The weight also means that handling benefits from the stable feel but lacks the responsiveness found in lighter sport coupes.

The 1954 facelift of the DeSoto Firedome Sportsman Coupe is distinguished by its revised front grille, incorporating a more intricate and horizontally slatted design that gave the car a more aggressive and upscale look. Chrome trim was updated, with enhanced accents around the headlights and body sides adding flair and elegance. The rear tailfins, a hallmark of early 1950s American car design, were subtly restyled to appear sleeker. These changes were intended to keep the Firedome competitive in a crowded marketplace without altering the fundamental dimensions or mechanical specifications, emphasizing style and curb appeal.

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