| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1960 |
| Production Years: | 1959 - 1960 discontinued in 1960 |
Precise measurements of the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5471 mm215.4 in17.9 ft |
| Width: | 2017 mm79.4 in6.6 ft |
| Height: | 1392 mm54.8 in4.6 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 132 mm5.2 in0.4 ft |
| Trunk Capacity (Max): | 966 liter34.1 cu ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 1783 kg3931 lbs |
The 1960 DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop coupe stands as an impressive example of late 1950s and early 1960s American automotive design, blending classic style with substantial size. Produced between 1959 and 1960, this coupe variant of the Fireflite series features a length of 5471 mm (215.4 inches), making it a notably long vehicle for its class. With a width of 2017 mm (79.4 inches), the Fireflite is wide enough to comfortably accommodate passengers while enhancing road presence. The car's height measures 1392 mm (54.8 inches), contributing to a sleek, low-profile silhouette typical of the era's hardtop designs. When it comes to weight, the curb weight of this coupe is 1783 kg (3933 lbs), reflecting the solid build quality and materials used during production. This heft adds to the vehicle's road stability and smooth cruising experience. The 1960 Fireflite also offers a generous luggage capacity of 966 liters (34.1 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded, providing practical storage space for extended trips despite its coupe classification. Ground clearance is measured at a modest 132 mm (5.2 inches), typical for passenger cars of its time, balancing a low stance with decent road handling capabilities. Overall, the DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop coupe epitomizes the grand and spacious build of full-size American cars from the late 1950s and early 60s, combining a commanding exterior presence with practicality and comfort.
Discover the standout features that make the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The 1960 DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop measures 5471 mm (215.4 inches) in length, 2017 mm (79.4 inches) wide, and stands 1392 mm (54.8 inches) tall. These dimensions give the coupe a distinctive, elongated profile with a wide stance that was typical of American cars from the late 1950s and early 1960s. The generous width contributes to a spacious interior, enhancing passenger comfort, especially in front and rear seats.
The curb weight of the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop is approximately 1783 kg, which is about 3933 pounds. This weight reflects its solid build typical of the era, with heavy steel construction common in American automobiles of that time. The sturdy frame and robust materials contribute to durability and a smooth ride but mean the car is relatively heavy compared to modern vehicles that emphasize lightweight materials.
The ground clearance of the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop is 132 mm, or approximately 5.2 inches. This moderate ride height is sufficient for smooth urban and highway driving but might be challenging for very uneven off-road terrains. The clearance balances well between aerodynamic efficiency at highway speeds and practical usability on common road surfaces of the time.
With the rear seats folded down, the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop offers a luggage capacity of 966 liters, equivalent to about 34.1 cubic feet. This sizable trunk space gave the Fireflite a practical edge for families and travelers who needed to carry more cargo. Though primarily a coupe, the foldable seats allowed for flexible use of the interior space, accommodating larger or bulkier items when necessary.
Given its dimensions—5471 mm (215.4 inches) long and 2017 mm (79.4 inches) wide—the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop is on the larger side for typical modern garages. Standard residential garages typically have widths around 2438 mm (96 inches) to 2743 mm (108 inches) and depths of around 6096 mm (240 inches) or more. While it will fit inside most single-car garages, maneuvering in tight spaces may be challenging, especially considering its wide body and the need to open doors fully without scraping.
Compared to the previous generation Fireflite (1958 model year), the 1960 Fireflite Two-Door HardTop grew slightly in length and width. The earlier version was typically shorter and narrower, roughly around 5400 mm (212.6 inches) long and slightly less wide. The increase in dimensions for the 1960 model contributed to a more spacious cabin and improved road presence, reflecting the era's trends toward larger, more luxurious vehicles. The added size also impacted weight, making the new Fireflite heavier but also more solid in ride quality.
In comparison to similar full-sized American coupes of the late 1950s and early 1960s, such as the Chrysler New Yorker or the Buick LeSabre, the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop holds its own with competitive dimensions. It is slightly longer and wider than many mid-to-upper-level coupes of the time, emphasizing luxury and presence. The Fireflite’s width at 2017 mm (79.4 inches) is often greater than that of many rivals, giving it a broader road stance. This makes it a standout for spaciousness but also puts it near the upper limit of coupe size for easy urban use.
The 1960 DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop is a full-size coupe, meaning it features two doors and a spacious passenger compartment designed for comfortable seating of typically six people in a 2+3 seating arrangement – two in the front bucket or bench seat and three in the rear bench seat. The hardtop design means it has no central B-pillar, offering a sleek profile and easy access to rear seats while enhancing the overall coupe styling.
The 1960 DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop combined stylish design cues of the era with strong V8 engine options that provided solid performance for a large coupe. Its hardtop design enhanced the vehicle’s sleek aesthetic by eliminating the pillar between the front and rear windows. Safety and comfort features were in line with premium cars of the time, offering power steering and braking as options. The ride was smooth, aided by substantial curb weight and well-tuned suspension, making it a comfortable cruiser for highway and city driving.
With a wide body measuring 2017 mm (79.4 inches), the 1960 DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop offers a spacious interior that comfortably accommodates adults in both front and rear seats. The hardtop design allows for more accessible entry and exit, enhancing passenger comfort. The foldable rear seats increase luggage space significantly, with a capacity of 966 liters (34.1 cubic feet) when folded, providing practical storage options for longer trips or bulky items. Overall, the Fireflite balances classic style with everyday usability.
DeSoto