1958 DeSoto Fireflite I Station Wagon (facelift 1958) Dimensions, Size & Specs

At 1989 mm (78.3 inches) wide, the 1958 Fireflite I Station Wagon is wider than many modern mid-size SUVs and sedans. This width was common among full-size 1950s American cars, emphasizing interior space and an imposing stance. For comparison, many contemporary sedans stay around 1800-1900 mm wide, so this DeSoto is relatively broad by today's standards.

The Fireflite I Station Wagon stands at 1450 mm (57.1 inches) tall, which is relatively low for a station wagon, giving it a sleek and streamlined profile. This height helps improve aerodynamic efficiency compared to taller wagons but might slightly affect headroom inside. The lower roofline reflects the styling trends of the late '50s favoring elongated, lower silhouettes.

While exact cargo volume figures are less documented, the 1958 Fireflite I Station Wagon's generous exterior dimensions translate into a spacious interior. Designed to accommodate families, it offered ample rear cargo space behind the back seats, suitable for luggage and groceries, typical of 1950s full-size station wagons. The broad width also allowed comfortable seating for multiple passengers.

Standard modern garage dimensions generally start at around 6000 mm (20 feet) in length and 3000 mm (10 feet) in width. At 5593 mm (220.2 inches, roughly 18.4 feet) long and 1989 mm (78.3 inches, about 6.5 feet) wide, the 1958 Fireflite I Station Wagon will comfortably fit inside a standard garage lengthwise and widthwise. However, owners should consider the wagon's large turning radius and the width of the garage door opening.

Compared to the earlier 1957 DeSoto Fireflite station wagons, the 1958 facelifted Fireflite I remained largely similar in size, maintaining its grand dimensions typical of the era. Minor styling and trim tweaks defined the facelift, but length, width, and height stayed close to the previous generation, preserving the spaciousness that customers expected from the Fireflite line.

Dimensionally, the Fireflite I station wagon holds its own against contemporaries like the Chrysler Town & Country or Chevrolet Nomad. Its 5593 mm length and 1989 mm width make it comparable or slightly larger than many competitors in the full-size station wagon segment, emphasizing comfort and cargo capacity. The sleek low height of 1450 mm also set it apart stylistically from taller rivals.

The 1958 Fireflite I is a classic full-size station wagon featuring a four-door configuration plus a rear tailgate door, characteristic of utility vehicles designed for family and cargo versatility. The body style combines elegance with practical access to both passenger and cargo areas, reflecting the post-war consumer preference for spacious, multi-purpose automobiles.

The 1958 facelift of the DeSoto Fireflite I introduced aesthetic updates such as revised grille designs, new or refined front and rear fascias, and updated tail fins which were prominent design cues of the era. Though largely mechanical components carried over, the facelift brought subtle enhancements that improved styling appeal and modernized the car without altering its fundamental architecture or dimensions.

While precise curb weight figures for the 1958 Fireflite I Station Wagon are not widely documented, similar full-size American wagons from the late 1950s generally weighed between 1800 and 2100 kilograms (approximately 4,000 to 4,600 pounds). The substantial size and steel body construction contributed to a heavy build typical of the period, which impacted fuel economy and performance but provided a solid, stable ride.