DeSoto Fireflite II Convertible 5.4 V8 (255 Hp) PowerFlite
People\'s Opinion
N/A / 5
II Convertible Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (II Convertible). With 475 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
Performance Verdict
The 5.4L V8 engine delivered robust performance for its time, providing ample power (255 Hp) for comfortable highway cruising and confident acceleration, despite the limitations of the 2-speed PowerFlite automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a priority for large American V8s of this era. Expect very low MPG figures, typical for a powerful 1950s luxury car.
Best Use Case:
Highway Cruising / Weekend Drives
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 1950s American styling and presence
- • Powerful 5.4L V8 engine for its era
- • Comfortable and spacious interior for cruising
- • Distinctive and collectible classic car
- • Smooth PowerFlite automatic transmission
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection
- • Handling and braking are rudimentary by modern standards
- • Requires specialized maintenance and parts for a classic car
- • Limited by 2-speed automatic transmission for varied driving
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Sportsman: 1954 - 1955).
| General: |
| Brand: | DeSoto |
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| Model: | Fireflite |
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| Generation: | II Convertible |
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| Modification (Engine): | 5.4 V8 (255 Hp) PowerFlite |
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| Start of production: | 1955 |
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| End of production: | 1956 |
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| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
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| Body type: | Cabriolet |
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| Seats: | 6 |
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| Doors: | 2 |
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| Engine: |
| Power: | 255 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
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| Power per litre: | 47.2 Hp/l [76mm more] |
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| Torque: | 475 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
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| Engine Model/Code: | S24 More details about the engine S24 |
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| Engine displacement: | 5408 |
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| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
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| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
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| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
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| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
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| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
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| Valvetrain: | OHV |
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| Engine oil capacity: | 3.8 l |
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| Coolant: | 22.7 l |
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| Cylinder Bore: | 94.49 mm mm |
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| Piston Stroke: | 96.52 mm mm |
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| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
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| Performance: |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
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| Space: |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 79 l |
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| Size: |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 12° |
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| Length: | 5611 mm mm [76mm more] |
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| Width: | 1989 mm mm [Same width.] |
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| Height: | 1473 mm mm [66mm less] |
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| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
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| Front track: | 1534 mm |
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| Rear (Back) track: | 1514 mm |
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| Front overhang: | 930 mm |
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| Rear overhang: | 1481 mm |
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| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.4 m [above average] |
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| Approach angle: | 19° |
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| Departure angle: | 11° |
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| Powertrain: |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
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| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
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| Number of gears | 2 |
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| Transmission type | Automatic |
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| Gearbox type | PowerFlite |
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| Front brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
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| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
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| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
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| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
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| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
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| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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Your first impression of the DeSoto Fireflite in one word? Go!