1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1957
Production Years:1956 - 1957 discontinued in 1957
1448 mm57.0 in4.8 ft
L: 5537 mm218.0 in18.2 ft | W: 1986 mm78.2 in6.5 ft
Length
5537 mm218.0 in18.2 ft
Width
1986 mm78.2 in6.5 ft
Height
1448 mm57.0 in4.8 ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:5537 mm218.0 in18.2 ft
Width:1986 mm78.2 in6.5 ft
Height:1448 mm57.0 in4.8 ft
Ground Clearance:137 mm5.4 in0.4 ft
Weight Specifications
Curb Weight:1826 kg4026 lbs
Useful Information

About 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan

The 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan stands as a prime example of classic American automotive design from the mid-1950s. Produced from 1956 to 1957, this sedan reflects the era's penchant for bold and substantial vehicles tailored for comfort and style. Measuring 5537 mm (217.9 inches) in length, 1986 mm (78.2 inches) in width, and 1448 mm (57 inches) in height, the Fireflite III offers a commanding presence on the road with its sleek yet sizable proportions. Its curb weight of 1826 kilograms (4025 pounds) reflects the heavy-duty construction typical of the period, contributing to a solid and stable ride. The sedan's ground clearance is set at 137 mm (5.4 inches), balancing road clearance with a low center of gravity for improved handling. As a four-door sedan, the Fireflite III combines spacious interior accommodations with the signature styling cues of DeSoto's Fireflite series, including chrome accents and tasteful design elements. This generation of Fireflite maintained DeSoto's reputation for delivering vehicles that merge aesthetic appeal with dependable build quality, making it a valued collector's piece today. Whether considered for its dimensions, weight, or classic design features, the 1957 Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan exemplifies mid-century American sedan craftsmanship.

Exceptional Features

1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan a leader in its class

Distinctive Styling

The 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III features iconic 1950s design with tailfins, chrome detailing, and a bold front grille that exemplifies the era's automotive aesthetics.

Powerful V8 Engine

Equipped with a robust 341 cubic inch HEMI V8 engine, the Fireflite III delivers strong performance with horsepower typically around 335 hp, offering smooth and reliable power.

Spacious Four-Door Sedan Body

Designed as a four-door sedan, it offers ample passenger space and comfort, making it ideal for families or those desiring a full-size luxury experience in the 1950s.

Advanced Safety Features for Its Time

Includes innovations like a padded dashboard and improved braking systems, contributing to enhanced safety in an era when such features were just becoming common.

Luxurious Interior Décor

The interior boasts plush seats, quality materials, and stylish trim that provide a sense of luxury and comfort consistent with the top-tier DeSoto line.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

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The 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan boasts substantial dimensions typical of its era. It measures 5537 mm (218 inches) in length, providing a spacious presence on the road. The width is 1986 mm (around 78.2 inches), which offers ample shoulder room inside. The height stands at 1448 mm (about 57 inches), giving it a low yet elegant profile for a sedan. These dimensions contribute to a roomy interior cabin and a commanding exterior stance that was characteristic of luxury sedans from the 1950s.

The curb weight of the 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan is 1826 kg (approximately 4027 lbs). This weight is relatively substantial, reflecting the heavy build quality and materials used in 1950s American sedans. The heavier weight contributes to a solid and stable ride, smoothing out road imperfections and offering a sense of durability. However, it can also lead to less nimble handling compared to lighter vehicles, and it impacts acceleration and braking distances. The weight, combined with the sedan's large size, emphasizes comfort and steadiness over sporty agility.

The 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan has a ground clearance (ride height) of 137 mm (approximately 5.4 inches). This clearance is moderate, suitable for typical paved roads and well-maintained surfaces. It provides enough height to clear minor obstacles or bumps without risk of undercarriage damage during everyday driving. However, the relatively low ground clearance means it's not ideal for off-road or rough terrain driving where more clearance is necessary. On city streets and highways, this clearance strikes a balance between ease of entry/exit and adequate protection against road irregularities.

The 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan measures 5537 mm (218 inches) in length and 1986 mm (78.2 inches) in width. Most standard residential garages are typically around 6000 mm (20 feet) deep and 2700-3000 mm (9-10 feet) wide. This means the Fireflite III should comfortably fit in terms of length, but due to its width, parking may feel snug. Careful maneuvering is needed to accommodate the nearly 2-meter width. Additionally, its height of 1448 mm (57 inches) won't be an issue, so overall it can fit, but large sedans like this require some driver attention in tighter garage spaces.

Compared to previous DeSoto Fireflite generations, the 1957 Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan exhibited a continuation of the full-size sedan tradition with few radical changes in dimensions. The length of 5537 mm (218 inches) was quite similar or slightly longer than preceding models, maintaining a commanding road presence. Width and height stayed in the same broad range to preserve interior comfort and styling. However, the 1957 generation refined styling and possibly improved weight distribution and curb weight at 1826 kg (4027 lbs). Thus, the size evolution was evolutionary rather than revolutionary, emphasizing luxury and space while keeping mechanical advancements.

When compared to similar full-size American sedans from the mid-1950s, such as the Chrysler New Yorker, Cadillac Series 62, or Chevrolet Bel Air, the 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III's dimensions fit well within the large luxury sedan segment. Its length of 5537 mm (218 inches) is comparable with these competitors, underscoring its status as a spacious and prestigious vehicle. The width at 1986 mm (78.2 inches) is also on par with these models, offering a roomy interior. Overall, its size aligns with expectations for a premium 1950s sedan, providing ample passenger space while maintaining road presence typical of its class.

Given its substantial exterior dimensions, the 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan offers generous interior space and passenger comfort typical of premium sedans of the era. The long wheelbase helps maximize legroom for both front and rear passengers, while the wide body width of 1986 mm (78.2 inches) provides ample shoulder room. The relatively low height of 1448 mm (57 inches) maintains a sleek roofline but still allows comfortable headroom, especially with well-designed seats. The interior was known for its luxurious appointments, with plush materials and ample seating, making it a comfortable choice for long drives or daily use.

The overall height of 1448 mm (57 inches) for the 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan reflects a low, streamlined design typical of the mid-century American full-size sedans. This relatively low height contributes to a sleek, aerodynamic profile and an elegant aesthetic. From a functionality standpoint, the height helps lower the vehicle’s center of gravity, which can improve stability on the road. It also makes entry and exit easier compared to taller vehicles while preserving sufficient headroom for passengers. The design balances style with comfort and practical considerations for urban and highway driving.

While exact fuel economy figures for the 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan vary based on engine and driving conditions, this luxury sedan generally featured large V8 engines known for powerful performance rather than fuel efficiency. Engines ranged from 5.8L to 6.4L V8s, producing robust horsepower to support the vehicle’s considerable weight of 1826 kg (4027 lbs). Fuel consumption was typical of the era's full-size cars, generally in the range of 8-12 miles per gallon (approximately 20-30 liters per 100 km). The emphasis was on smooth, powerful cruising rather than economy, reflecting the car's market positioning.

The ride height of 137 mm (5.4 inches) for the 1957 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan strikes a balance between passenger comfort and practical road handling. The relatively low ground clearance lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, enhancing stability and reducing body roll during cornering, which improves handling. At the same time, the ride height is sufficient to absorb minor road imperfections without causing frequent scraping or bottoming out, aiding ride comfort. This height is typical for sedans of the mid-20th century, designed primarily for paved roads rather than off-road usage.

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