1958 DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon (facelift 1958) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon has a ground clearance (ride height) of 142 mm (5.6 inches). This relatively moderate clearance was typical for cars of its era and allowed for reliable handling on paved roads and moderate surfaces. However, the vehicle was not designed for off-road use or rough terrains. Its ground clearance contributes to a smoother ride on streets while maintaining stability and a lower center of gravity.

Yes, the 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon generally fits into a standard residential garage. With a height of 1450 mm (57.1 inches) and width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches), it comfortably fits within the common garage dimensions, which typically have a minimum width of about 2.4 meters (8 feet) and height around 2.1 meters (7 feet). Its length of 5540 mm (218.1 inches or about 18 feet) is longer than many modern cars but still manageable in a two-car or larger garage space. Owners should ensure their garage depth is sufficient, ideally 6 meters (20 feet) or more.

The width of the 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon is 1989 mm (78.3 inches), a dimension that was quite broad for station wagons of the late 1950s. Many competitors typically hovered around 1900 mm (75 inches) in width, so the Firesweep's wider stance gave it a spacious interior and a commanding road presence. This width offered enhanced shoulder room inside the cabin, making it comfortable for passengers on long trips and providing greater stability due to a wider track.

The 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon was designed as a spacious family vehicle, commonly seating up to six or seven passengers depending on configuration, including front bench seats and rear benches. Its length of 5540 mm (218.1 inches) and station wagon body style allowed for significant cargo volume behind the rear seats, suitable for groceries, luggage, or recreational equipment. Although exact cargo volume numbers for this specific model are scarce, vehicles of this era and size typically offered generous rear space, easily accommodating family trips and daily hauling needs.

At a height of 1450 mm (57.1 inches), the 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon is relatively low compared to other station wagons and SUVs, which often exceed 1600 mm (63 inches). This lower height contributes to improved aerodynamics considering the boxy design typical of the 1950s, potentially aiding fuel economy marginally for the time. Additionally, the lower roofline facilitates easier parking in garages with limited vertical clearance and enhances overall vehicle stability, reducing the risk of rollovers.

The 1958 facelift of the DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon maintained similar overall dimensions to the 1957 model, with a length of 5540 mm (218.1 inches), width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches), and height of 1450 mm (57.1 inches). The facelift focused more on styling updates and minor mechanical refinements rather than significant changes in size. This continuity ensured that owners of previous model years experienced a familiar spaciousness and vehicle footprint, with improvements targeted at modernizing appearance and features.

Compared to similar American station wagons of the late 1950s, such as the Chrysler Saratoga or Dodge Coronet wagons, the DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon stands out for its longer length of 5540 mm (218.1 inches) and substantial width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches). Many contemporaries were slightly shorter and narrower, offering a bit less interior space. The Firesweep's broad stance and well-proportioned height of 1450 mm (57.1 inches) provided a balance between a spacious cabin and road presence. This made the Firesweep an attractive option for families seeking size without compromising drivability.

While specific curb weight numbers for the 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon are not precisely documented, similar station wagons of the era typically weighed between 1800 to 2000 kilograms (approximately 3968 to 4409 lbs). This substantial weight affected acceleration and fuel economy, given the large V8 engines common in DeSoto models. The heavy frame and body contributed positively to ride quality and stability on highways but meant the Firesweep was less nimble than smaller cars and had moderate fuel efficiency by modern standards.

The 1958 DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon was primarily designed as a family-oriented vehicle, catering to the post-war American market where spaciousness, utility, and comfort were in high demand. The station wagon body style provided ample passenger seating and cargo space, making it suitable for daily errands, long road trips, and family vacations. Its combination of size, style, and utility positioned it as a practical car for suburban families seeking reliability and versatility, rather than commercial use or sporty performance.