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DeSoto Fireflite I Station Wagon 5.6 V8 (295 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 Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (I Station Wagon). With 508 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.
5.6 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 5.6L V8, delivering 295 Hp, offered exceptional power and smooth acceleration for a 1950s station wagon, making it a strong performer on highways. The TorqueFlite automatic transmission provided seamless shifts.
Fuel Economy
Typical for a large American V8 of its era, fuel economy was not a primary concern and would be considered very poor by modern standards, especially with its carburettor fuel system.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
3 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 2 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 1950s American styling and presence
- • Powerful V8 engine for its era (295 Hp)
- • Spacious interior ideal for families and cargo
- • Smooth TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Strong classic car appeal and collectibility
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lacks modern safety features (e.g., airbags, ABS)
- • Handling and braking are characteristic of 1950s vehicles
- • Maintenance can be complex and parts scarce for a classic
- • Large turning circle affects maneuverability
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II Convertible: 1955 - 1956).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Fireflite |
| Generation: | I Station Wagon |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.6 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1956 |
| End of production: | 1957 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 295 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 52.8 Hp/l [36mm less] |
| Torque: | 508 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S26 More details about the engine S26 |
| Engine displacement: | 5588 |
| 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: | 19.9 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96.01 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 96.52 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.25:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5575 mm mm [36mm less] |
| Width: | 1986 mm mm [3mm less] |
| Height: | 1448 mm mm [25mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.1 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 |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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