| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1960 |
| Production Years: | 1959 - 1960 discontinued in 1960 |
Precise measurements of the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite IV Four-Door Sedan, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5471 mm215.4 in17.9 ft |
| Width: | 2017 mm79.4 in6.6 ft |
| Height: | 1397 mm55.0 in4.6 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 132 mm5.2 in0.4 ft |
| Trunk Capacity (Max): | 929 liter32.8 cu ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 1792 kg3951 lbs |
The 1960 DeSoto Fireflite IV Four-Door Sedan represents a classic American full-size sedan produced during the final years of DeSoto's brand life, spanning from 1959 to 1960. This generation of the Fireflite features notably substantial dimensions, reflecting the styling and design trends of late-1950s American automobiles. Measuring approximately 5471 mm (215.4 inches) in length and 2017 mm (79.4 inches) in width, the vehicle offers a spacious and commanding presence on the road. Its height stands at a relatively low 1397 mm (55 inches), contributing to a sleek, elongated profile typical of sedans of this era. With a curb weight of 1792 kg (3951 lbs), the Fireflite IV maintains a solid road feel, indicative of its era’s build quality and materials. The ride height is moderate at 132 mm (5.2 inches), balancing comfort and drivability for urban and highway conditions. Additionally, the trunk capacity is impressive, providing 929 liters (about 32.8 cubic feet) of luggage space when the rear seats are folded down, making it practical for longer trips or heavier cargo. Overall, the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite IV Four-Door Sedan stands as a significant example of mid-century American car design, combining generous interior and cargo space with distinctive styling and robust construction typical of the period.
Discover the standout features that make the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite IV Four-Door Sedan a leader in its class
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The 1960 DeSoto Fireflite IV Four-Door Sedan is a sizable classic sedan boasting a length of 5471 mm (215.4 inches), a width measuring 2017 mm (79.4 inches), and a height of 1397 mm (55.0 inches). These dimensions highlight its broad and elongated body typical of American cars from that era, providing a commanding road presence and spacious interior.
The curb weight of the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite IV Four-Door Sedan is 1792 kg (3950 lbs). This relatively heavy weight reflects the car’s robust steel construction and solid build quality, common in late 1950s and early 1960s vehicles. The mass contributes to a smooth and stable ride, but also impacts fuel efficiency compared to modern lighter vehicles.
The Fireflite IV has a ground clearance of 132 mm (5.2 inches), which is moderate for a sedan of its class. This clearance strikes a balance between providing enough height to negotiate typical urban and suburban road obstacles while maintaining a low center of gravity for stable cornering and smooth handling on highways.
With the rear seats folded, the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite IV Four-Door Sedan offers a generous luggage capacity of 929 liters (about 32.8 cubic feet). This sizeable space makes it practical for carrying large loads or luggage, making it suitable for family trips and transporting bulky items, reinforcing its appeal as a comfortable family sedan.
Most standard garages in the United States are designed to accommodate vehicles up to approximately 6 meters (about 20 feet) in length and 2.4 meters (about 8 feet) in width. The Fireflite IV measures 5471 mm (21.5 feet) long and 2017 mm (6.6 feet) wide, so while it fits width-wise comfortably, its length slightly exceeds typical garage depth, meaning it may be a tight fit or require a larger or specially designed garage space.
Compared to its predecessor, the earlier Fireflite models of the late 1950s, the 1960 Fireflite IV generally maintained a similar imposing exterior size but was slightly refined in styling and dimensions. The length and width remained large to emphasize luxury and interior space. However, the 1960 model's design updates optimized interior space and ride comfort, reflecting subtle evolutionary changes rather than drastic downsizing or upsizing.
The 1960 DeSoto Fireflite IV was competitive in size with other full-size American sedans like the Chevrolet Impala and the Ford Galaxie. It was longer and broader than many mainstream models, which helped it stand out as a luxury vehicle. Its generous interior volume and trunk capacity positioned it favorably among peer sedans, appealing to buyers seeking spaciousness combined with mid-century American luxury styling.
The 1960 DeSoto Fireflite IV Four-Door Sedan is a full-size sedan. DeSoto, being a division of Chrysler, positioned this model in the mid to upper luxury segment, targeting buyers looking for American luxury and advanced styling. It was designed to offer comfort, space, and a distinctive presence, catering mostly to families and professionals who wanted a prestigious, roomy vehicle.
The 1960 Fireflite IV featured hallmark styling of the era such as prominent tailfins, wrap-around windshields, and a streamlined body. While specifics on powertrains vary, it usually housed a V8 engine offering strong performance aligned with full-size American sedans. Its suspension was tuned for comfort, emphasizing a smooth and stable ride, and interiors were spacious with upscale trim, reflecting its luxury market ambitions.
The height of the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite IV is 1397 mm (55.0 inches). This relatively low stature for a sedan contributes to its sleek and elongated profile, typical of 1960s American cars with emphasis on style and aerodynamic appearance. While it looks sleek, the height still allows for comfortable headroom inside, balancing aesthetics with passenger comfort.
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