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DeSoto Firedome II Convertible (facelift 1956) 5.4 V8 (230 Hp)
Overall Rating
DeSoto Firedome:
The DeSoto Firedome was a full-size automobile produced between 1952 and 1959 by the DeSoto division of the Chrysler Corporation. Introduced as DeSoto's premium line of vehicles for the 1952 model year, it retained that position until demoted to the least expensive model for 1955. It was reclassified to become a mid-range vehicle for 1957 and was discontinued for the 1960 model year.
The 1953 Firedome was introduced just prior to DeSoto's 25th Anniversary in 1953, and arrived as the new top series, displacing the Custom nameplate which was retired at the end of the 1952 model year. The entire De Soto model lineup was restyled and Firedome prices started at US$2,740. During the 1953 model year, approximately 64,211 examples were produced....(Read more on Wikipedia)
II Convertible (facelift 1956) Overview:
DeSoto Firedome (II Convertible (facelift 1956)). With 414 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
5.4 V8 (230 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
For its time, the 5.4 V8 (230 Hp) offered strong and smooth performance, providing ample power for comfortable highway cruising and confident acceleration, characteristic of a premium American V8.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a priority for V8 engines of this era. The 5.4 V8 would be considered very thirsty by modern standards, but acceptable for the 1950s context of inexpensive fuel.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
5 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 5 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 1950s American styling and presence
- • Powerful V8 engine for its era, offering strong acceleration
- • Spacious and comfortable interior, ideal for long cruises
- • Distinctive and collectible classic car
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lacks any modern safety features
- • Handling and braking are typical of 1950s vehicles, requiring caution
- • Maintenance and parts can be challenging and expensive for a classic
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II Four-Door Sedan: 1954 - 1955).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firedome |
| Generation: | II Convertible (facelift 1956) |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.4 V8 (230 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1955 |
| End of production: | 1956 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 230 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 42.5 Hp/l [76mm more] |
| Torque: | 414 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S23 More details about the engine S23 |
| Engine displacement: | 5408 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.8 l |
| Coolant: | 22.7 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 94.49 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 96.52 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 79 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 12° |
| Length: | 5611 mm mm [76mm more] |
| Width: | 1989 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1473 mm mm [66mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1534 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1514 mm |
| Front overhang: | 930 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1481 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.4 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 19° |
| Departure angle: | 11° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the DeSoto Firedome?