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

With a width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches) and a height of 1473 mm (58.0 inches), the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Two-Door Sportsman represents a broad and moderately tall vehicle. This considerable width can make navigating narrow city streets and tight parking spaces more challenging, especially compared to modern compact cars. Its height aligns with typical coupes of the era, allowing reasonable visibility. Drivers may need to be cautious during parking maneuvers, but the two-door design aids access in more confined spaces compared to larger four-door sedans.

While exact interior dimensions are not specified, the overall external dimensions of the Fireflite II (length 5611 mm and width 1989 mm) suggest a spacious interior for its era, especially given its two-door coupé configuration. Passengers in both front and rear seats would enjoy ample headroom and legroom due to the car's 1473 mm height and wide body. The generous cabin size was typical for American cars of the 1950s, designed to maximize passenger comfort for cruising and longer drives.

The Fireflite II's dimensions, especially its length of 5611 mm (approximately 18.4 feet) and width nearing 2 meters (1989 mm or 6.5 feet), make it somewhat large for today's average garages, which often accommodate cars up to roughly 5.5 meters (18 feet) long and about 2 meters (6.6 feet) wide including mirrors. While the width is close to the upper limit, parking this vehicle in modern single-car garages can be tight but feasible, provided precise handling. Homeowners with compact garages or limited aisle space may find it challenging to park comfortably.

At 5611 mm (221.0 inches) in length, the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II was longer than many other mid-1950s American coupes and sedans. This extensive length was typical for flagship models, emphasizing luxury and road presence. Compared to more compact cars or economy vehicles of the era, the Fireflite II stood out for its grandeur and spaciousness, underscoring the brand’s performance and comfort aspirations.

Compared to the earlier Fireflite generation produced in 1955, the Fireflite II Two-Door Sportsman maintained many of the same exterior dimensions but featured subtle style enhancements and refinements. The length of 5611 mm and width of 1989 mm remained consistent, preserving the vehicle's imposing presence. The design improvements mainly focused on styling cues and chrome elements rather than significant dimensional shifts, keeping interior space and overall footprint similar to ensure passenger comfort and road stability remained intact.

The DeSoto Fireflite II, with its 5611 mm length and nearly 2-meter width, is on the larger side compared to many mid-1950s American two-door coupes such as those from Chevrolet or Ford, which were often shorter and narrower. Its size rivals other premium models from Chrysler’s divisions, offering a more imposing and luxurious presence. This positioning reflects DeSoto's focus on blending performance with upscale comfort. The large dimensions also contribute to smoother highway cruising, a hallmark of the Fireflite series.

While specific curb weight figures for the Fireflite II Two-Door Sportsman are not commonly documented, similar full-size coupes from the mid-1950s typically weighed between 1800 kg to 2000 kg (around 4,000 to 4,400 pounds). This weight results from the robust V8 engine, heavy steel body, and extensive chrome trim, contributing to the car's sturdy and solid feel on the road. The substantial weight complements the car’s smooth ride quality, although it modestly impacts fuel efficiency compared to lighter models.

Detailed specifications on ride height and ground clearance for the Fireflite II Two-Door Sportsman are scarce, but typical full-size 1950s coupes had ground clearances ranging from about 150 mm to 180 mm (6 to 7 inches). This moderate clearance allowed comfortable cruising over the varied road conditions of the time, balancing handling and smoothness. The Fireflite II's height of 1473 mm (58 inches) contributed to a balanced center of gravity, aiding in stable handling despite the car's large overall size.

The 1956 DeSoto Fireflite II Two-Door Sportsman stands out with its striking mid-50s automotive design incorporating bold chrome detailing, large tail fins, and a wide grille that represents the era’s flamboyant styling trends. Performance-wise, this model offered powerful V8 engine options, making it competitive in terms of speed and acceleration for its class. The Sportsman variant emphasized sportiness within a luxury framework, combining smooth ride quality with responsive handling, supported by a long wheelbase and robust chassis, reflecting DeSoto’s commitment to a distinctive blend of style and performance.