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DeSoto Firedome II Four-Door Sportsman (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 Four-Door Sportsman (facelift 1956) Overview:
DeSoto Firedome (II Four-Door Sportsman (facelift 1956)). With 414 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 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
5.4 V8 (230 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 5.4L V8 delivered strong, smooth power for its era, making the Firedome a capable cruiser with decent acceleration for a large sedan.
Fuel Economy
Typical of 1950s American V8s, fuel economy was not a priority and would be considered very poor by modern standards.
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:
- • Powerful 5.4L V8 engine for its time
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for six occupants
- • Distinctive 1950s American styling and chrome accents
- • Smooth ride quality, ideal for long-distance cruising
- • Available PowerFlite automatic transmission for ease of driving
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Large dimensions can make city maneuvering challenging
- • Maintenance and parts availability can be difficult for a classic car
- • Drum brakes offer limited stopping power compared to modern systems
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II Four-Door Sedan: 1954 - 1955).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firedome |
| Generation: | II Four-Door Sportsman (facelift 1956) |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.4 V8 (230 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1955 |
| End of production: | 1956 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 230 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 42.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| 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: | 5535 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1989 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1539 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1534 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1514 mm |
| Front overhang: | 930 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1405 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 160 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 |
What’s the best feature of the DeSoto Firedome? Tell us in the comments!