Click on image to view the full photo gallery
DeSoto Fireflite I Station Wagon (facelift 1959) Explorer 6.3 V8 (325 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 1959) Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (I Station Wagon (facelift 1959)). With 576 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2012 kg, it’s on the heavier side. 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 9, it’s perfect for larger families.
Explorer 6.3 V8 (325 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The robust 6.3L V8 engine delivers impressive power (325 Hp) and abundant torque (576 Nm), ensuring strong acceleration and effortless cruising, especially when paired with the smooth TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large displacement V8 from this era, fuel economy is a significant drawback, making it a thirsty vehicle by modern standards.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
4.4 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 14 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful and torquey 6.3L V8 engine for its era
- • Distinctive and iconic 'Forward Look' styling
- • Spacious 9-seat interior, ideal for large families
- • Smooth and reliable TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Strong classic car appeal and collector value
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lacks modern safety features (e.g., airbags, ABS)
- • Large turning circle and handling not comparable to modern vehicles
- • Parts availability can be challenging for restoration
- • Drum brakes offer limited stopping power compared to discs
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Convertible (facelift 1958): 1957 - 1958).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Fireflite |
| Generation: | I Station Wagon (facelift 1959) |
| Modification (Engine): | Explorer 6.3 V8 (325 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1958 |
| End of production: | 1959 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 9 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 325 Hp @ 4600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 51.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 576 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 6276 |
| 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: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 15.1 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 107.95 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.1:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.2 kg/Hp, 161.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.5 kg/Nm, 286.3 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2012 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 83 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5591 mm mm [39mm more] |
| Width: | 1999 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Height: | 1458 mm mm [8mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 15.2 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 torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Does the DeSoto Fireflite live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!