1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sedan Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sedan is approximately 1817 kg (4007 lbs). This considerable weight is typical for sedans of that era, attributed to robust steel construction and luxury features. The weight contributes to a solid, sturdy ride quality and good road-holding characteristics but can also affect fuel efficiency and acceleration compared to lighter cars. The bulk and mass give a comfortable, stable driving sensation but require a powerful engine to maintain spirited performance.

The 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sedan has a ground clearance of 160 mm (6.3 inches). This modest ride height aligns with its use as a comfortable family sedan designed mostly for paved roads rather than off-road conditions. The clearance is sufficient to handle typical city and highway surfaces without issues, though it's not optimized for rough terrain. It balances ride comfort and handling stability by keeping the car closer to the ground compared to trucks or SUVs.

Standard residential garages typically measure around 2438 mm (8 feet) in width and roughly 4877 mm (16 feet) in length. The DeSoto Fireflite II, with its substantial length of 5535 mm (217.9 inches), will exceed typical garage lengths by about 660 mm (26 inches). Width-wise, at 1989 mm (78.3 inches), it fits comfortably inside the average garage width, but its long length means owners may need a larger or custom garage space to park this classic sedan indoors comfortably.

At 1989 mm (78.3 inches) wide, the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sedan was considered quite wide for its time. Many 1950s sedans typically ranged between 1800 mm (70.9 inches) to 1900 mm (74.8 inches) in width. The Fireflite's broader width conveyed a sense of luxury and spaciousness and improved road stability. This wider stance contributed to greater interior shoulder room, making it more comfortable for passengers during long drives compared to narrower contemporaries.

Measuring 1539 mm (60.6 inches) tall, the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sedan is relatively tall compared to many modern sedans, which often range from 1400 mm (55 inches) to 1500 mm (59 inches). This height gives the car a commanding presence and allows for a spacious interior cabin with ample headroom, aligning with the design priorities of the 1950s for comfort and visibility. Compared to contemporary sedans, it might feel more upright and roomy inside.

The 1956 Fireflite II carried forward the classic mid-1950s full-size sedan design with only incremental changes in dimensions from its predecessor, the earlier Fireflite generation. Generally, the Fireflite II maintained the same substantial 5535 mm (217.9 inches) length, 1989 mm (78.3 inches) width, and 1539 mm (60.6 inches) height as its predecessor. The changes between generations were more focused on styling, luxury features, and performance improvements rather than radical dimensional shifts.

In the mid-1950s, luxury full-size sedans such as the Chevrolet Bel Air, Ford Fairlane, and Chrysler New Yorker came with sizes close to the DeSoto Fireflite II's 5535 mm (217.9 inches) length and near 1989 mm (78.3 inches) width. While the Fireflite II stood out with its solid build and luxury features, dimensionally it was very competitive and representative of typical American full-size sedans, focusing on spacious interiors, comfort, and a commanding road presence.

The 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II was equipped with a powerful V8 engine, which was standard for the Fireflite series. This engine configuration provided ample horsepower and torque for the heavy full-size sedan, ensuring smooth acceleration and adequate power for highway cruising and urban driving. While exact engine displacement and performance specs varied by option, the car was known for a balanced combination of power and comfort, befitting its luxury sedan status in the mid-1950s.

The sizeable exterior dimensions of the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sedan translated into a roomy interior with generous legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. Its four-door sedan configuration made it highly practical for families or those needing easy access to rear seats. The wide body (1989 mm or 78.3 inches) allowed for comfortable seating arrangements, and the upholstery and design emphasized luxury and comfort, making it a practical vehicle for leisure drives and everyday use alike.