1955 DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman Dimensions, Size & Specs

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.