1955 DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1955
Production Years:1954 - 1955 discontinued in 1955
1539 mm60.6 in5.0 ft
L: 5535 mm217.9 in18.2 ft | W: 1989 mm78.3 in6.5 ft
Length
5535 mm217.9 in18.2 ft
Width
1989 mm78.3 in6.5 ft
Height
1539 mm60.6 in5.0 ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 1955 DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:5535 mm217.9 in18.2 ft
Width:1989 mm78.3 in6.5 ft
Height:1539 mm60.6 in5.0 ft
Ground Clearance:160 mm6.3 in0.5 ft
Useful Information

About 1955 DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman

The 1955 DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman represents a classic American coupe from the mid-1950s, produced between 1954 and 1955. This generation of the Fireflite model features a sizable and elegant body style typical of the era, coupling prominent design with substantial road presence. The Fireflite I Sportsman is a coupe measuring 5535 mm (217.9 inches) in length, showcasing its long, streamlined profile which was designed to deliver both comfort and style. The width of the vehicle stands at 1989 mm (78.3 inches), providing ample interior space and contributing to its wide stance and stability on the road. The height of this coupe is 1539 mm (60.6 inches), creating a balanced and sleek silhouette that complements its robust dimensions. Ground clearance is measured at 160 mm (6.3 inches), which suits the car's combination of luxury and everyday drivability during its production years. Overall, the 1955 DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman coupe captures the essence of 1950s American automotive design with generous proportions that combine elegance, space, and classic styling. This coupe remains a valuable and interesting vehicle for classic car enthusiasts, especially those interested in the detailed size comparisons and dimensions of mid-century automobiles.

Exceptional Features

1955 DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1955 DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman a leader in its class

Engine Performance

The 1955 DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman is equipped with a 291 cubic inch HEMI V8 engine producing around 230 horsepower, delivering strong and smooth acceleration typical of mid-1950s American cars.

Distinctive Styling

This model features iconic 1950s design elements including sleek chrome accents, prominent tail fins, and a wide grille, presenting a classic and bold aesthetic.

Advanced Suspension

It incorporates a torsion bar front suspension system, providing improved ride comfort and handling compared to traditional coil spring suspensions of its time.

Interior Comfort and Luxury

The Fireflite I Sportsman offers spacious seating with high-quality upholstery and chrome trim, along with features such as power windows and adjustable seats to enhance passenger comfort.

Safety Features

Safety considerations include hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels and a robust body structure designed to offer enhanced protection for occupants during the mid-1950s.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

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The 1955 DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman coupe measures 5535 mm (217.9 inches) in length, 1989 mm (78.3 inches) in width, and 1539 mm (60.6 inches) in height. These dimensions are typical for a full-size American coupe of the mid-1950s, providing a spacious and comfortable interior while maintaining a stylish and substantial road presence.

The 1955 DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman features a ground clearance of approximately 160 mm (6.3 inches). This moderate ride height makes it suitable for typical road conditions, offering a balance between comfortable handling and the ability to clear minor obstacles or uneven surfaces encountered during daily driving. However, given its size and era, it is more ideal for paved roads rather than rough off-road terrain.

Standard garage door widths typically range around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (about 8 to 9 feet), and ceiling heights are usually about 2.1 to 2.4 meters (7 to 8 feet). Given that the Fireflite I Sportsman is 1989 mm (78.3 inches or 6.5 feet) wide and 1539 mm (60.6 inches or 5 feet) tall, it comfortably fits within most standard garage dimensions. Its length of 5535 mm (217.9 inches or roughly 18 feet) also fits in many residential garages, though it may require a deeper garage space to allow for comfortable parking and exit.

Compared to the earlier DeSoto Fireflite models from the early 1950s, the 1955 Fireflite I Sportsman maintained a similar full-size profile but incorporated more modern styling cues and refinements. The 1955 model's length of 5535 mm (217.9 inches) represented a slight increase over some previous versions, contributing to more interior space and a more commanding presence on the road. This incremental increase in dimensions was part of the general trend in the mid-1950s towards larger and more luxurious automobiles.

With a width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches), the 1955 DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman was wider than many mid-1950s coupes, which typically averaged closer to 1,800 to 1,900 mm (70.9 to 74.8 inches). This generous width enhanced interior space, allowing for a more comfortable seating arrangement and greater shoulder room for passengers. The wide stance also contributed to improved road stability and handling dynamics.

The Fireflite I Sportsman stands at 1539 mm (60.6 inches) tall, reflecting the lower profile styling trend of 1950s American coupes which emphasized sleek, streamlined looks. This relatively low height not only improved the car’s aerodynamic profile, reducing wind resistance and noise at cruising speeds, but also enhanced its sporty and elegant appearance, making it appealing to buyers looking for both style and performance.

While exact curb weight figures for the 1955 Fireflite I Sportsman vary slightly by configuration, similar 1950s full-size coupes typically weighed between 1,700 to 2,000 kilograms (approximately 3,750 to 4,400 pounds). This relatively heavy weight was due to the robust steel body construction, large engine options, and luxury equipment included, which provided a solid, stable drive but required powerful engines for responsive performance.

When compared to contemporaries like the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air coupe or the 1955 Buick Special coupe, the DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman was slightly larger in overall length and width. For instance, the Chevrolet Bel Air measured approximately 5251 mm (206.7 inches) long and 1980 mm (77.9 inches) wide, making the Fireflite notably longer by roughly 280 mm (11 inches). This size advantage translated to more interior space and a more commanding road presence, appealing to buyers seeking a more luxurious and spacious vehicle.

The 1955 Fireflite I Sportsman typically came equipped with a fuel tank capacity of around 70 liters (approximately 18.5 gallons), which allowed for decent driving ranges given the engine size and consumption rates of the era. Seating capacity was generally designed for up to six passengers, featuring a front bench seat and a rear bench seat. This spacious seating accommodated families comfortably while maintaining a sporty coupe profile.

The 1955 DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman utilized a robust chassis with independent front suspension and a solid rear axle typical of the era. This setup, combined with sizable coil springs and shock absorbers, resulted in a smooth and comfortable ride characteristic of full-size American cars of the 1950s. The vehicle’s suspension was designed to absorb road imperfections effectively while maintaining adequate handling and stability during highway cruising and urban driving.

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