Click on image to view the full photo gallery
DeSoto Fireflite III Convertible (facelift 1959) 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)
III Convertible (facelift 1959) Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (III Convertible (facelift 1959)). With 576 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1962 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
6.3 V8 (325 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 6.3L V8 engine delivers robust performance for its era, providing ample power (325 Hp) and significant torque (576 Nm) for effortless cruising and respectable acceleration. Paired with the smooth TorqueFlite automatic, it offers a refined yet potent driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Typical of large American V8s from the late 1950s, fuel economy is a significant drawback. Expect very low MPG figures, making it an expensive car to run by modern standards, primarily due to its displacement and carburetion.
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:
- • Iconic late 1950s American styling and presence
- • Powerful 6.3L V8 engine offers strong performance for its time
- • Smooth and reliable TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Spacious and comfortable interior, ideal for cruising
- • Convertible body style provides an exhilarating open-air driving experience
- • Significant collector's item with increasing historical value
Cons:
- • Extremely poor fuel economy due to large V8 and carburetion
- • Handling and braking are rudimentary by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features and crash protection
- • Parts availability can be challenging and expensive for restoration
- • Large dimensions make it cumbersome in urban environments
- • High maintenance costs associated with classic car ownership
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Convertible (facelift 1958): 1957 - 1958).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Fireflite |
| Generation: | III Convertible (facelift 1959) |
| Modification (Engine): | 6.3 V8 (325 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1958 |
| End of production: | 1959 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet, Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| 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 kg/Hp, 165.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.4 kg/Nm, 293.6 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1962 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 10.4° |
| Length: | 5616 mm mm [64mm more] |
| Width: | 1999 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 889 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1527 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 142 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 15.2 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 15° |
| 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 | 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 |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the DeSoto Fireflite rank in your book?