1958 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan (facelift 1958) Dimensions, Size & Specs

With a curb weight of 1889 kg (4166 lbs), the 1958 DeSoto Fireflite III is relatively heavy by modern standards, reflecting its robust build quality and extensive use of steel in its construction. This weight contributes to a solid, stable ride but can affect handling agility and fuel efficiency. The mass supports a comfortable cruising experience on highways but requires a powerful engine to maintain spirited performance.

The ride height or ground clearance of the 1958 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan is 140 mm (5.5 inches). This moderate clearance helps the car handle typical road conditions such as slight bumps and uneven pavement without scraping the undercarriage. However, it is not suited for off-road or extremely rough terrain, typical for a sedan designed for urban and highway use.

Standard residential garages usually have an internal width of about 2.4 to 2.7 meters (8 to 9 feet) and lengths ranging from 5.5 to 6 meters (18 to 20 feet), with heights around 2.1 to 2.4 meters (7 to 8 feet). The Fireflite III measures 5552 mm (18.2 feet) in length, 1989 mm (6.5 feet) in width, and 1450 mm (4.75 feet) in height. While the width and height pose no problem, the Fireflite III's length is on the longer side but still typically fits in a standard garage, though maneuvering could be tight in smaller or cluttered spaces.

At 1989 mm (78.3 inches) wide, the 1958 Fireflite III stands out as a broad vehicle, even among its contemporaries. Many sedans from the late 1950s had widths ranging from approximately 1800 mm to 1900 mm (71 to 75 inches). This wider track gives the DeSoto better stability and a spacious interior but could make city parking and tight spaces more challenging compared to narrower cars of the time.

With a height of 1450 mm (57.1 inches), the Fireflite III is relatively low-slung for a full-size sedan of its era, helping to reduce aerodynamic drag compared to taller sedans. This slightly lower profile supports sleeker styling cues prevalent in the late 1950s. Regarding interior headroom, despite this relatively low height, the sedan was designed to maximize passenger comfort with a roomy cabin suitable for adults, balancing style with practicality.

Compared to the previous Fireflite generation, the 1958 Fireflite III features subtle dimensional updates, maintaining a similar overall footprint but with styling refinements that slightly affect the length and width. The 5552 mm length and 1989 mm width represent a slight increase or retention in size that aligns with the era’s trend toward larger, more luxurious sedans. These tweaks also contributed to enhanced interior space and road presence without fundamentally changing the car's size classification.

The 1958 Fireflite III's length of 5552 mm (218.5 inches) and curb weight of 1889 kg (4166 lbs) put it in line with other premium American full-sized sedans like the Chrysler New Yorker and the Buick Roadmaster. While some competitors might be slightly longer or heavier due to different design priorities or luxury features, the Fireflite’s measurements are typical for a flagship sedan of its era, emphasizing spaciousness, comfort, and strong presence.

The 1958 Fireflite III represents the final model year of the DeSoto Fireflite line before the brand was discontinued in 1961. This generation featured a facelift with updated grille and tailfin styling typical of late-1950s American cars. It combined bold, chrome-heavy design with modern engineering for the time, including powerful V8 engines. Its production span from 1957 to 1958 marked a brief but notable period reflecting both the height and impending decline of the DeSoto marque.

Though exact interior dimensions vary, the Fireflite III’s overall large exterior size translates to a spacious interior cabin that comfortably accommodates five to six passengers, typical of large four-door sedans from the 1950s. Its width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches) assures wider seats and door openings, while the lower height does not detract significantly from headroom. This makes it an excellent choice for families or groups seeking comfort and style in a classic American sedan.