Click on image to view the full photo gallery
DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan (facelift 1958) 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)
III Four-Door Sedan (facelift 1958) Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (III Four-Door Sedan (facelift 1958)). With 542 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1889 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
5.9 V8 (305 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.9L V8, delivering 305 Hp, provided robust acceleration and effortless cruising for its time. Paired with the smooth TorqueFlite automatic, it offered strong performance typical of large American sedans.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a primary concern for this era or engine. Expect high single-digit to low double-digit MPG figures, making it a thirsty but powerful cruiser.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
4.7 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 18 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 'Forward Look' styling with distinctive fins
- • Powerful 5.9L V8 engine for effortless cruising
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for six passengers
- • Smooth TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Strong historical significance as a classic American sedan
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Handling and braking are characteristic of its era, not agile
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Maintenance and parts can be challenging for a classic DeSoto
- • Large size can be cumbersome in urban environments
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Four-Door Sportsman: 1956 - 1957).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Fireflite |
| Generation: | III Four-Door Sedan (facelift 1958) |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.9 V8 (305 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1957 |
| End of production: | 1958 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 305 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 51.6 Hp/l [15mm 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) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.2 kg/Hp, 161.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.5 kg/Nm, 286.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1889 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 10° |
| Length: | 5552 mm mm [15mm 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 |
| Front overhang: | 892 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1461 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 15.1 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 16.3° |
| Departure angle: | 11.6° |
| 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 |
If you could change one thing about the DeSoto Fireflite, what would it be?