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DeSoto Firedome Club Coupe (facelift 1953) 4.5 V8 (160 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift
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)
Club Coupe (facelift 1953) Overview:
DeSoto Firedome (Club Coupe (facelift 1953)). With 339 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
4.5 V8 (160 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Paired with the innovative Tip-Toe Shift semi-automatic transmission, this V8 offered a smoother, more convenient driving experience without sacrificing the robust 160 Hp output, ideal for relaxed cruising.
Fuel Economy
Similar to the manual version, fuel economy was a secondary concern, with the semi-automatic potentially offering marginal improvements in certain driving conditions but still high consumption overall.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
3.2 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 9 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Classic American styling and chrome accents
- • Powerful V8 engine for its era (160 Hp)
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for cruising
- • Historical significance and collectibility
- • Relatively simple mechanicals for maintenance
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features (no airbags, ABS, etc.)
- • Soft, wallowy handling and limited braking performance
- • Large dimensions make it challenging in modern parking/traffic
- • Finding parts and specialized mechanics can be difficult
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Sportsman Coupe: 1951 - 1952).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firedome |
| Generation: | Club Coupe (facelift 1953) |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.5 V8 (160 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift |
| Start of production: | 1952 |
| End of production: | 1953 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 160 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 35.4 Hp/l [127mm more] |
| Torque: | 339 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S16-1001 More details about the engine S16-1001 |
| Engine displacement: | 4524 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 21.7 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92.075 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84.931 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7.1:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5420 mm mm [127mm more] |
| Width: | 1963 mm mm [61mm more] |
| Height: | 1588 mm mm [79mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3188 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1513 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Tip-Toe Shift Fluid Drive |
| Front brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Does the DeSoto Firedome live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!