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

The ride height or ground clearance of the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sportsman is 160 mm (6.3 inches). Compared to modern sedans, which often have a ground clearance ranging from 125 mm to 160 mm (around 5 to 6.3 inches), this car sits relatively high. This moderate clearance was typical for the era, balancing drivability and comfort on the less developed roads of the 1950s.

At 1989 mm (78.3 inches) wide, the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II is notably broad. This substantial width contributes to a spacious interior cabin, allowing comfortable seating for passengers, and also gives the vehicle a strong road presence. Its wide stance improves stability but requires more space for parking and maneuvering, particularly in tighter urban environments.

Yes, with a length of 5535 mm (217.9 inches), the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sportsman is definitely categorized as a large sedan. This length provided generous room for rear legroom and trunk space, befitting the luxury and comfort expected of mid-1950s American automobiles. This class of sedans often emphasized style and presence, reflected in the car’s extended body length.

Fitting the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sportsman into a standard residential garage may be challenging due to its considerable length of 5535 mm (217.9 inches) and width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches). Most single-car garages have an average door width around 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) and depth around 5,500 mm (216.5 inches). While it might fit dimensionally, space margins are tight, so careful parking is needed, especially considering room to open doors.

The height of 1539 mm (60.6 inches) on the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sportsman is moderate by sedan standards, contributing to a balanced profile that's neither too tall nor too low. This height assists in providing sufficient headroom inside while maintaining a streamlined, elegant silhouette typical of 1950s styling. It also makes for a lower center of gravity compared to taller vehicles, potentially improving handling and stability.

Compared to the previous generation Fireflite models, the 1956 Fireflite II Four-Door Sportsman was slightly larger in several dimensions, typical of mid-50s automotive trends where manufacturers increased vehicle size for passenger comfort and styling impact. The increase in length and width gave it a more commanding road presence and additional interior space, while changes in height and ground clearance were minimal, preserving familiar driving characteristics.

The 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sportsman shares competitive dimensions with other American full-size sedans of the 1950s like the Dodge Royal, Buick Roadmaster, and Oldsmobile 88. Its length of 5535 mm (217.9 inches) and width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches) places it firmly in the large sedan category. While some contemporaries might have been slightly longer or wider, the Fireflite II’s dimensions reflect a balance between commanding size and elegant styling typical of the era.

The 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sportsman is classified as a full-size sedan. This classification implies it was designed for spaciousness, comfort, and luxury, catering primarily to families or passengers wanting ample interior room for long rides. Full-size sedans from the 1950s often featured premium materials and more advanced comfort features compared to smaller segments, reflecting the upscale market position that DeSoto occupied during that time.

The 160 mm (6.3 inches) ground clearance of the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sportsman was well-suited for the road conditions of the era. Roads in the 1950s ranged from paved highways to less even rural paths, so this moderate clearance helped the vehicle avoid scraping over bumps, curbs, or uneven terrain. While not intended for off-road use, this height balanced good ride comfort and ease of entry, while protecting the undercarriage from minor obstacles.