Production | |
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Model Year: | 1958 |
Production Years: | 1957 - 1958 discontinued in 1958 |
Precise measurements of the 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I 4-Door Sportsman, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
Dimensions | |
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Length: | 5499 mm216.5 in18.0 ft |
Width: | 1989 mm78.3 in6.5 ft |
Height: | 1443 mm56.8 in4.7 ft |
Ground Clearance: | 142 mm5.6 in0.5 ft |
The 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I 4-Door Sportsman is a distinguished classic sedan, produced from 1957 to 1958, showcasing the automotive design and engineering aesthetics of the late 1950s. This particular facelifted generation combines style, size, and comfort in an impressive mid-20th century package. Measuring 5499 mm (216.3 inches) in length, the Firesweep sits firmly in the full-size sedan category, delivering spacious interior accommodation and a commanding road presence. Its width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches) provides a wide stance for enhanced stability and a roomy cabin environment. The overall height is 1443 mm (56.8 inches), creating a sleek but practical profile that balances aerodynamic flow with interior headroom. Ride height or ground clearance stands at 142 mm (5.6 inches), offering sufficient clearance for varied road conditions while maintaining the low-slung elegance typical of the era’s sedans. The Firesweep I 4-Door Sportsman carries the distinct characteristics of DeSoto’s design language, incorporating subtle chrome detailing, broad front grille, and clean lines that emphasize width and length for a stately appearance. The production period from 1957 to 1958 marks the tail end of DeSoto’s presence in the market before the brand’s discontinuation, making the Firesweep a significant piece of automotive history. Its dimensions and classic styling remain relevant today for enthusiasts comparing vintage full-size sedans from the late 1950s. This vehicle exemplifies the blend of size, comfort, and classic American automotive craftsmanship, reflecting a bygone era where spaciousness and robust design were paramount.
Discover the standout features that make the 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I 4-Door Sportsman a leader in its class
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The 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I 4-Door Sportsman features a length of 5499 mm (216.4 inches), a width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches), and a height of 1443 mm (56.8 inches). These dimensions highlight its sizable sedan profile typical of late 1950s American cars. Its width and length contribute to spacious interior comfort and road presence, whereas the height complements aerodynamic styling and headroom.
At 1989 mm (78.3 inches) wide, the 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I 4-Door Sportsman sits on the wider side among mid to full-size sedans of the late 1950s. This expansive width helps provide a roomy cabin and a broad stance on the road, contributing to enhanced stability and road handling. Compared to many contemporaries, which typically ranged between 1800 mm to 1950 mm in width, the Firesweep’s width ensures a distinct presence and passenger comfort advantage.
The ride height of the 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I 4-Door Sportsman is 142 mm (approximately 5.6 inches). This ground clearance is typical for full-size sedans of that period, providing a balance between smooth on-road handling and sufficient clearance over uneven surfaces or minor obstacles. While not high enough for rugged off-road capabilities, it's adequate for typical urban streets and highways, contributing to a comfortable ride quality.
With a height of 1443 mm (56.8 inches), the 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I offers a relatively low profile design for a sedan of its time, emphasizing sleek styling and aerodynamics. Although lower than many modern vehicles, this height still allows decent headroom sufficient for average adult passengers, aided by well-planned interior packaging. The lower roofline was part of the trend in the late 1950s toward more streamlined and stylish car designs.
A standard residential garage typically measures around 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide by 5.5 meters (18 feet) deep. The 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I, measuring 1989 mm (78.3 inches) wide and 5499 mm (216.4 inches) long, can fit inside the standard garage length quite snugly but may be a tight fit in width depending on garage width and door clearance. While it's near the limit in length, most standard garages can accommodate it, although opening doors and comfortable maneuvering may require careful attention.
The 1958 facelift of the Firesweep I carried over much of the previous generation's dimensions but included subtle styling tweaks rather than drastic size changes. It retained the classic large sedan footprint with a focus on improved aesthetics and minor refinements. The predecessor, produced from 1957, shared very similar measurements, so the facelift model's length of 5499 mm, width of 1989 mm, and height of 1443 mm were consistent with earlier dimensions, maintaining spaciousness and road presence.
The Firesweep I generally compares closely in size to other American full-size sedans of the late 1950s such as the Chrysler Windsor, Dodge Coronet, and Chevrolet Bel Air. With a length of 5499 mm and width of 1989 mm, it matched or slightly exceeded the width and length of competitors, providing substantial interior room and road stability. This dimension range was typical of large American sedans, aiming for luxury and space, though some competitors varied slightly with a bit narrower or shorter profiles.
While exact curb weight varies by equipment and trim, the 1958 Firesweep I 4-Door Sportsman generally weighed around 1700 to 2000 kg (approximately 3750 to 4400 lbs). This substantial mass is characteristic of full-size sedans of its era, influencing fuel economy and handling. Heavier weight provided a stable, smooth ride but reduced fuel efficiency compared to smaller cars. Handling was typically tailored for comfort rather than sportiness, with suspension tuned to absorb road imperfections well.
The Firesweep I 4-Door Sportsman was designed as a full-size sedan catering to families and those seeking spacious accommodations. It comfortably seats up to six passengers owing to its sizeable interior dimensions, with generous legroom and headroom in both front and rear seats. The wide body aids in shoulder room, and the large vehicle footprint also allows for ample trunk storage, making it a practical choice for longer trips or daily use with family.
The 1958 facelift of the DeSoto Firesweep I featured updated front grille and bumper styling, sleeker body lines, and improved trim materials compared to earlier models. This refresh aimed to modernize the sedan's appearance to compete with contemporary American cars, incorporating more pronounced chrome accents and refined detailing. Engine and mechanical options remained largely consistent with previous years, but the facelift helped keep the Firesweep I appealing in a competitive market focused heavily on style as well as performance.
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