1960 DeSoto Fireflite Four-Door HardTop Dimensions, Size & Specs

Standard garages typically measure about 2438 mm to 2743 mm (8 to 9 feet) in width and 4877 mm to 6096 mm (16 to 20 feet) in length. With a width of 2017 mm (79.4 inches) and length of 5471 mm (215.4 inches), the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite Four-Door HardTop should comfortably fit in a standard garage, leaving enough space on all sides for easy access and maneuvering.

The Fireflite measures 1397 mm (55 inches) in height and has a ground clearance of 132 mm (5.2 inches). These dimensions reflect a low-slung, sleek profile favored in late 1950s to early 1960s luxury sedans for enhanced aerodynamics and style, while the ground clearance is moderate, balancing ride comfort and handling on paved roads.

The 1960 Fireflite offers a generous luggage capacity of 929 liters (approximately 32.8 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded. This spacious cargo hold was impressive for its class and time, allowing for significant luggage or goods storage, making the car practical for family travel or longer trips.

At 2017 mm (79.4 inches), the Fireflite is wider than most modern midsize sedans, many of which average about 1800 mm (71 inches) wide. This extra width gives it a commanding road presence but could make urban parking a bit more challenging in tight spaces common today. However, in the context of its time, this width was typical among full-size luxury sedans.

The ride height of the Fireflite is 132 mm (5.2 inches), which strikes a balance between a sporty low center of gravity and enough clearance to handle typical road conditions of the time. This height provides stable handling and a smoother ride on highways and paved streets, although it may be less suited for rough or unpaved roads.

Compared to the 1958-1959 DeSoto Fireflite, the 1960 model features slightly refined, more streamlined body lines with a focus on a lower roofline and enhanced width for a sharper stance. While overall dimensions remained fairly consistent, these design tweaks improved aerodynamics and road presence, creating a fresher, more modern look while retaining classic luxury cues.

When compared to contemporaries like the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Galaxie, or Chrysler Newport, the Fireflite is similarly large with a length over 5.4 meters and nearly 2 meters wide, placing it squarely in the full-size sedan category. Stylistically, the Fireflite's four-door hardtop design emphasized sleek, pillarless side windows and a lower profile, distinguishing it with a sportier yet luxurious appearance among its peers.

Weighing in at about 1798 kg (3963 lbs), the Fireflite is a relatively heavy vehicle, typical for large American luxury cars of its period. The higher curb weight means the car offers a stable, solid ride with good road presence but can affect acceleration and fuel efficiency, often resulting in moderate power output demands and average fuel consumption by modern standards.

The 1960 Fireflite Four-Door HardTop blends classic late-50s American styling with modern touches such as a pillarless hardtop design, elegant chrome trim, and a spacious interior. Beyond its striking style, the car boasts comfortable seating, substantial luggage capacity, and solid build quality, making it a luxury sedan that was both practical and visually impressive in its day.