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DeSoto Firedome Eight-Passenger (facelift 1953) 4.5 (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)
Eight-Passenger (facelift 1953) Overview:
DeSoto Firedome (Eight-Passenger (facelift 1953)). With 339 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. With seating for 8, it’s perfect for larger families.
4.5 (160 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offering the same robust 4.5L V8 power, the 'Tip-Toe Shift' semi-automatic transmission provided a smoother, more convenient driving experience compared to the manual, without sacrificing much performance.
Fuel Economy
Similar to the manual version, fuel economy was not a strong point, reflecting the design priorities of large V8s from the 1950s.
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:
- • Spacious eight-passenger interior ideal for large families or groups.
- • Powerful 4.5L V8 engine provides smooth, confident acceleration for its era.
- • Distinctive classic American styling with a commanding road presence.
- • Comfortable ride quality, well-suited for long-distance cruising.
- • Historical significance as a classic DeSoto model.
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards.
- • Lacks any modern safety features (e.g., airbags, ABS).
- • Handling and braking are characteristic of 1950s large sedans, requiring careful driving.
- • Finding parts and specialized mechanics for maintenance can be challenging and costly.
- • Large dimensions can make city driving and parking difficult.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Sportsman Coupe: 1951 - 1952).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firedome |
| Generation: | Eight-Passenger (facelift 1953) |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.5 (160 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift |
| Start of production: | 1952 |
| End of production: | 1953 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 8 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 160 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 35.4 Hp/l [406mm 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) |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5699 mm mm [406mm more] |
| Width: | 1963 mm mm [61mm more] |
| Height: | 1620 mm mm [47mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3543 mm mm [355mm more] |
| Front track: | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1513 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.5 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 |
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