1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Convertible (facelift 1959) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Convertible is approximately 1962 kg (about 4325 lbs). This relatively heavy weight is typical for luxury convertibles from that era, contributing to a solid, stable ride quality. The heft adds to the car's presence on the road, giving it a sturdy feel but also means it can require more power to accelerate briskly and affects fuel consumption. The substantial weight combined with the large dimensions enhances ride comfort but makes nimble handling less pronounced compared to smaller, lighter vehicles.

The ride height or ground clearance of the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Convertible is 142 mm (approximately 5.6 inches). This moderate clearance is typical for American cars of the period, balancing an elegant, low-slung stance with practical clearance to handle common road imperfections. While the low ride height adds to the vehicle's sporty and stylish look, it still provides adequate clearance for general road conditions but may require caution on very rough terrain or speed bumps.

Fitting the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Convertible into a standard garage can be challenging due to its length and width. With a length of 5616 mm (221.1 inches) and width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches), this car is longer and wider than many modern vehicles. Typical American residential garage lengths range from 5400 to 6000 mm (213 to 236 inches), so it might fit but could be a tight squeeze, especially if the garage is at the smaller end of the range. The width also might be an issue in narrower garages. Owners should measure their garage dimensions carefully before attempting to park this vehicle inside.

The 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Convertible retains a similar large and luxurious size as its predecessor but includes subtle refinements following its 1958-1959 production update. While length and width remained closely matched to previous Fireflite models—around 5.6 meters in length and just under 2 meters wide—the 1959 facelift introduced sleeker styling that might visually affect perceptions of size. Dimensionally, it did not dramatically increase, maintaining the full-size status emblematic of late-1950's American luxury convertibles. Weight and chassis components were largely consistent, continuing to provide solid road presence and ride maturity typical of the Fireflite line.

The 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Convertible, with its 5616 mm (221.1 inches) length and 1999 mm (78.7 inches) width, is comparable in size to luxury convertibles from brands like Cadillac, Buick, and Chrysler during the late 1950s. These vehicles typically featured long, wide bodies designed to maximize passenger comfort and road presence. For example, the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible had similar length metrics, reflecting the era's preference for large, imposing vehicles. The Fireflite's size places it firmly in the full-size luxury convertible category, competing well in terms of cabin space, styling grandeur, and on-road comfort.

The DeSoto Fireflite III series in 1959 was predominantly offered as a convertible (cabriolet) and a coupe. The Convertible, in particular, showcased a stylish open-air experience with a power-operated soft top, ideal for enjoying warm weather and scenic drives. The coupe version maintained the same overall size and luxurious trim, but with a fixed roof and slightly different styling elements. Both body styles emphasized the classic late-1950s design, characterized by sweeping lines, chrome accents, and a bold grille, delivering a mix of sophistication and American flair.

Driving the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Convertible offers a distinct experience characterized by smooth road manners, solid ride quality, and classic American V8 powertrain performance. The car's heavy curb weight (about 1962 kg or 4325 lbs) combined with its full-size dimensions creates a plush ride that glides over bumps and cushions passengers well. However, the heavy mass means acceleration isn't as sharp as modern cars, and handling is more about comfort than sharp cornering. The convertible top adds the joy of open-air driving, making this model especially appealing to enthusiasts of classic, stylish, cruiser-type vehicles.

The 1999 mm (78.7 inches) width of the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Convertible is quite wide compared to many modern vehicles, which can present challenges in tight urban parking situations or narrow streets. The wide stance contributes to excellent road stability but requires careful maneuvering when entering or exiting parking spaces, especially parallel parking in busy city areas. Drivers might find it more difficult to fit into compact spaces or narrow parking garages, emphasizing the need for cautious parking technique and awareness of the car's broad dimensions to avoid scratches or dings.

Yes, the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Convertible is regarded as a classic collectible car by automotive enthusiasts and collectors. Its unique styling with flamboyant fins, chrome details, and the distinctive three-series Fireflite badge make it a standout of the late 1950s American car design. Due to the limited production span (1958-1959) and DeSoto's eventual discontinuation in 1961, the Fireflite III Convertible models are relatively rare and sought after. Classic car collectors value these vehicles for their historical significance, elegant design cues, and the nostalgic representation of mid-century American automotive culture.