Click on image to view the full photo gallery
DeSoto Fireflite I Station Wagon (facelift 1958) Shopper 5.9 V8 (305 Hp) TorqueFlite
Overall Rating
DeSoto Fireflite:
The DeSoto Fireflite is a full-size premium automobile which was produced by DeSoto in the United States from 1955 until 1960.
The Fireflite was introduced in 1955 as DeSoto's top trim package of the DeSoto Firedome. It was wider and longer than the Firedome, and came equipped with a hemispherical cylinder head, 291 cubic inch displacement V8 engine producing 200 hp when equipped with the 4-barrel carburetor , and PowerFlite automatic transmission. The transmission was operated by a Flite-Control lever located on the dashboard. The car weighed 4,070 lb and cost US$3,544. AM radio was a US$110 option....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Station Wagon (facelift 1958) Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (I Station Wagon (facelift 1958)). With 542 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
Shopper 5.9 V8 (305 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.9L 'Firedome' V8, delivering 305 Hp, provided robust acceleration and ample power for highway cruising, making this large station wagon surprisingly capable for its time, especially when paired with the smooth TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a priority for 1950s American V8s. The large displacement and carburettor system would result in very low MPG figures, particularly in city driving, making it a thirsty vehicle by modern standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful 5.9L V8 engine offering strong performance for its era.
- • Spacious and comfortable interior, ideal for family travel.
- • Distinctive 'Forward Look' styling, a classic American design.
- • Smooth and reliable TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
- • Good road presence and a unique classic car appeal.
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards.
- • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids.
- • Large dimensions can make city driving and parking challenging.
- • Drum brakes all around offer limited stopping power compared to modern systems.
- • Maintenance and parts availability can be challenging for a vintage DeSoto.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Four-Door Sportsman: 1956 - 1957).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Fireflite |
| Generation: | I Station Wagon (facelift 1958) |
| Modification (Engine): | Shopper 5.9 V8 (305 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1957 |
| End of production: | 1958 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 305 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 51.6 Hp/l [56mm more] |
| Torque: | 542 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 5916 |
| 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: | 16.1 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 104.65 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5593 mm mm [56mm more] |
| Width: | 1989 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Height: | 1450 mm mm [2mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 15.1 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 | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | TorqueFlite |
| 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 |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Describe your experience with the DeSoto Fireflite using only emojis!