1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan (facelift 1959) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan is approximately 1876 kg (4136 lbs). This relatively heavy mass for its era results from its robust body-on-frame construction and large-size design. The weight contributes to a stable, smooth ride, particularly well-suited to highway cruising, but it can also affect acceleration and fuel efficiency, making the car less nimble compared to lighter vehicles. Its weight, combined with a solid suspension setup, ensures comfortable handling, though quick maneuvering will require more effort.

With a width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches), the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III is quite wide by both contemporary and modern standards. This expansive width enhances interior comfort, offering generous space for both front and rear passengers. However, it poses challenges in urban environments with narrow streets or parking spaces. Drivers should be cautious when maneuvering in tight spots, as the width demands careful attention to curb clearance and potential obstacles.

The sedan stands 1450 mm (57.1 inches) tall, which was relatively low compared to some of its contemporaries, helping to give the Fireflite III a sleeker and more streamlined look. This moderate height contributes positively to the vehicle’s aerodynamics for a car of its size and era, potentially improving fuel efficiency slightly. Inside, the height allows for adequate headroom for most occupants, providing a balance between a spacious interior and a lowered roofline that enhances the sporty yet elegant styling of the vehicle.

The ground clearance of the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan is 142 mm (5.6 inches). This moderate ride height helps the car maintain a smooth ride over typical road surfaces while minimizing body roll due to a relatively low center of gravity. It is high enough to handle minor road irregularities and light obstacles without scraping, but drivers need to be cautious on rough terrain or steep driveways to avoid underbody contact.

Given its length of 5616 mm (221.1 inches) and width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches), the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III is quite large compared to many cars today. While typical residential garage dimensions vary, many single-car garages are around 6000 mm (236 inches) deep and 3000 mm (118 inches) wide. Thus, the Fireflite III will fit into a standard single-car garage in terms of length and width, but parking it might be tight especially if the garage includes storage or shelving. Careful maneuvering will ensure proper fit.

The 1959 Fireflite III represents the facelifted model of the previous 1958 generation. While retaining much of the overall design, the facelift introduced subtle changes in styling but maintained similar overall dimensions. Typically, the Fireflite sedan length and width remained in the same large size class, with only minor variations due to trim and styling enhancements. This model maintained the commanding presence and spacious cabin of its predecessor while updating exterior details to stay competitive in the full-size sedan market.

The 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan is comparable in size to other full-size American sedans of the late 1950s, such as the Chrysler Windsor or Dodge Custom Royal. These vehicles typically measured between 5400 mm and 5700 mm (213 to 224 inches) in length and around 1900 mm to 2000 mm (75 to 79 inches) in width. The Fireflite III is on the larger side within its segment, boasting generous interior space and a wide stance, which emphasized comfort and road presence, typical for American luxury-oriented full-size cars of that era.

The 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III comfortably accommodates six passengers, thanks to its spacious full-size sedan design and wide 1999 mm (78.7 inches) body. The interior was designed with bench seats both front and rear, allowing three occupants per row. The ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder space afforded by the vehicle’s generous dimensions made it a favored choice for families and those valuing comfort on long drives. Upholstery and trim levels typically reflected the upscale positioning of the Fireflite nameplate.

The 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III featured distinct styling touches characteristic of late '50s American cars, including prominent tailfins, elaborate chrome trim, and a wide grille that enhanced its road presence. As a facelifted model, it refined previous design elements to appear more modern and elegant. Mechanically, it was equipped with powerful V8 engines offering smooth performance, while interior features prioritized comfort and luxury. The Fireflite III represented a blend of bold styling and premium appointments aimed at buyers seeking a combination of status and driving comfort.