| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1959 |
| Production Years: | 1958 - 1959 discontinued in 1959 |
Precise measurements of the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sportsman, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5616 mm221.1 in18.4 ft |
| Width: | 1999 mm78.7 in6.6 ft |
| Height: | 1400 mm55.1 in4.6 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 142 mm5.6 in0.5 ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 1891 kg4169 lbs |
The 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sportsman sedan represents the final and facelifted iteration of the Fireflite series produced between 1958 and 1959. Classified as a full-size American sedan, this vehicle exhibits classic mid-century automotive design with a notable emphasis on spacious dimensions and a commanding road presence. Measuring an impressive 5616 mm (approximately 221.1 inches) in length and 1999 mm (around 78.7 inches) in width, the Fireflite III stands as a wide and elongated model built to offer ample passenger comfort and distinctive styling. Despite its low-slung profile of 1400 mm (about 55.1 inches) in height, the car maintains a practical ground clearance of 142 mm (5.6 inches), striking a balance between aerodynamics and drivability. The curb weight of 1891 kilograms (4169 pounds) underscores the robust construction typical of late 1950s American luxury sedans, ensuring solid road manners while reflecting the substantial build quality of the era. This generation of the Fireflite was particularly celebrated for its refined evolution from earlier versions, featuring updated styling cues and luxury refinements suited to the tastes of late 1950s consumers. Overall, the 1959 Fireflite III Sportsman sedan captures the essence of classic American automotive grandeur with its large and elegant silhouette, making it a notable subject in vintage car size comparisons and historical automotive studies.
Discover the standout features that make the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sportsman a leader in its class
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The 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sportsman measures 5616 mm (221.1 inches) in length, 1999 mm (78.7 inches) in width, and stands 1400 mm (55.1 inches) tall. Its relatively wide stance offers a spacious cabin, and the height contributes to a sleek, low-slung profile typical of late 1950s American sedans.
The curb weight of the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sportsman is approximately 1891 kg (4169 lbs). This comparatively heavyweight chassis contributes to a solid, stable ride but may impact acceleration and fuel consumption when compared to lighter vehicles. The weight reflects its robust build and luxury features typical of the era.
This model has a ride height or ground clearance of 142 mm (5.6 inches). Such a clearance is moderate, suited for smooth city roads and highways that were common for its time. It provides enough height to accommodate minor road irregularities but is not ideal for rugged or off-road terrain.
With a width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches) and length of 5616 mm (221.1 inches), the DeSoto Fireflite III is quite large compared to many modern vehicles. Standard garages typically measure around 2400 mm (8 feet) wide and 6000 mm (20 feet) deep, so the Fireflite III would fit lengthwise but might be a snug fit widthwise, especially if space for opening doors or maneuvering is considered.
Compared to the earlier 1957-1958 Fireflite models, the 1959 Fireflite III maintained similar length and width dimensions, but with a more refined and sleeker body design due to the facelift. The curb weight remained largely consistent, reflecting the vehicle's continued emphasis on luxury and substantial build quality, rather than downsizing.
The 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III's length of 5616 mm (221.1 inches) and width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches) are comparable to other American full-size sedans such as the 1959 Chrysler Imperial and the 1959 Pontiac Bonneville. While these competitors often shared similar lengths, the DeSoto's design emphasized a wide stance and low height (1400 mm / 55.1 inches), giving it a distinctive sporty yet luxurious presence.
While specific interior dimensions are not typically published, the 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III, given its broad exterior width of nearly 2 meters (78.7 inches) and long wheelbase, offers generous cabin space. Passengers benefit from wide bench seats and ample legroom, characteristic of late 1950s American sedans designed for comfortable, smooth cruising with room for up to six passengers.
The 1959 DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sportsman is a full-size sedan with a four-door body style. This configuration contributes to its sizeable exterior dimensions, providing practicality and ease of access for rear passengers. The sedan layout prioritizes passenger space and comfort while maintaining the sporty and luxurious design cues introduced with this facelift.
The DeSoto Fireflite III is classified as a full-size luxury sedan produced from 1958 to 1959. It was aimed at affluent buyers seeking American-made vehicles with stylish design and premium appointments. The model embodied the era’s emphasis on visual flair, comfort, and performance, balancing sporty attributes with luxury and spaciousness.
The 1959 Fireflite III received a facelift that refined its front grille, tailfin design, and trim details, enhancing its sporty and upscale appearance. These changes kept the Fireflite competitive in a crowded market by modernizing its look, while retaining the fundamental dimensions and solid engineering of its predecessors. The facelift was part of DeSoto’s strategy to blend luxury with sportiness.
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