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DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sedan 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)
III Four-Door Sedan Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (III Four-Door Sedan). With 508 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1826 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.
5.6 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 5.6L V8 engine delivered impressive power for its era, providing strong acceleration and effortless cruising. Paired with the TorqueFlite automatic transmission, it offered a remarkably smooth and refined driving experience for a 1950s American sedan.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large V8 from 1956, fuel economy was not a priority and is considered poor by modern standards, though typical for its class at the time.
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:
- • Powerful and smooth V8 engine for its time.
- • Luxurious and comfortable ride quality.
- • Distinctive and iconic 1950s American styling.
- • Historical significance as a classic Mopar.
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards.
- • Lack of modern safety features.
- • Requires specialized maintenance and parts for restoration.
- • Large dimensions can make maneuvering challenging in modern traffic.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II Convertible: 1955 - 1956).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Fireflite |
| Generation: | III Four-Door Sedan |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.6 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1956 |
| End of production: | 1957 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 295 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 52.8 Hp/l [74mm 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) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.2 kg/Hp, 161.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.6 kg/Nm, 278.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1826 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 9.8° |
| Length: | 5537 mm mm [74mm 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 |
| Front overhang: | 879 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1458 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 137 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.1 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 17.7° |
| Departure angle: | 13.3° |
| 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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