1959 DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon (facelift 1959) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1959 DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon ranges between 1851 kg (4081 lbs) and 1873 kg (4129 lbs). This relatively substantial weight for a station wagon from the late 1950s contributes to a solid, stable ride but may reduce fuel efficiency and acceleration compared to lighter vehicles. The weight also affects handling, making the Firesweep feel more substantial on the road, which was common in American cars built during this time period.

With a length of 5489 mm (216.0 inches) and a width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches), the 1959 DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon is quite large by modern standards. Most standard residential garages typically measure about 2400 mm to 2700 mm (94.5 to 106.3 inches) in width and around 5400 mm (213 inches) in length. Due to its length, it may be a tight fit or may not fit comfortably in many typical garages without some difficulty. Homeowners considering garage storage for this car should measure their garage dimensions carefully and consider additional space for door clearance and opening.

The 1959 DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon stands at 1450 mm (57.1 inches) tall. Compared to other American station wagons from the late 1950s, this is relatively typical, as many wagons ranged between 1400 mm to 1600 mm in height. The Firesweep's height provides sufficient headroom inside the cabin while allowing for a sleek design line that is slightly lower than some taller competitors, contributing to its distinctive look and aerodynamic styling for that era.

While specific interior dimensions for the 1959 DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon are less commonly documented, typical station wagons of this era, including the Firesweep, usually accommodated six to eight passengers comfortably. Seating was configured with two front bench seats and a rear bench that could seat three adults, with additional space in the cargo area accessible via the rear tailgate. The Firesweep’s generous body dimensions translated into ample passenger comfort and cargo capacity for family use or long-distance travel.

The 1959 Firesweep I (facelift) was essentially an updated version within the same generation produced from 1957 to 1959. There were minimal changes to the car’s overall dimensions during the facelift, with length, width, and height remaining quite similar. Thus, dimensionally, the facelift version didn’t differ drastically from the original model, maintaining nearly the same size and road presence. The updates were more focused on styling and mechanical improvements rather than size alteration.

Compared to other American station wagons in 1959, such as the Chrysler Windsor or the Pontiac Safari, the DeSoto Firesweep I was competitive in terms of size. Its length of 5489 mm (216 inches) placed it among the longer wagons, while the width of nearly 2 meters (78.7 inches) was typical for full-size American cars of that era. The Firesweep stood out with its combination of length and width, offering generous interior space. While other wagons might have been slightly taller or shorter, the Firesweep balanced a low-slung design and substantial dimensions to appeal to families seeking versatile transport.

The 1959 DeSoto Firesweep I is a full-sized station wagon designed primarily for family and utility purposes. Station wagons in this class during the 1950s were popular for offering the passenger capacity of a sedan with added cargo space, thanks to the extended rear section and hatch. The Firesweep was well-suited for families, road trips, and general utility, providing a good balance between comfort, space, and style typical of late 1950s American automotive design.

With a curb weight between 1851 kg (4081 lbs) and 1873 kg (4129 lbs), the Firesweep I Station Wagon was relatively heavy, a common trait among American full-sized cars of the era due to their robust steel construction and luxury features. This weight impacted fuel efficiency, resulting in moderate fuel consumption that was typical for station wagons at the time, generally averaging lower miles per gallon compared to lighter vehicles. The weight also influenced performance by providing a smooth ride, but acceleration was somewhat restrained, requiring more powerful engines to compensate for the mass.

The Firesweep I’s width of 1999 mm (78.7 inches) makes it relatively wide, especially when compared to modern compact cars but fairly standard for a full-size 1950s station wagon. This width gives the vehicle a stable stance on the road, enhancing cornering stability. However, in urban environments, the wide body can pose challenges in tight parking spaces and narrow streets. Drivers needed to be mindful when maneuvering or parking, particularly in congested city areas where smaller vehicles had an easier time navigating.