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DeSoto Fireflite Two-Door HardTop 5.9 V8 (295 Hp)
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)
Two-Door HardTop Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (Two-Door HardTop). With 529 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1783 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. 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.
5.9 V8 (295 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This base 5.9L V8 still provided ample power for the Fireflite, offering strong, effortless acceleration. Without a specified automatic, it might have been paired with a manual or a less common automatic, influencing the driving feel.
Fuel Economy
Consistent with other large V8s of the era, fuel consumption was high. Owners should anticipate frequent stops at the pump.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 'Forward Look' styling and distinctive fins.
- • Powerful and smooth V8 engine options.
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for six passengers.
- • Relatively rare, making it a unique collector's item.
- • Smooth automatic transmissions (PowerFlite/TorqueFlite).
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards.
- • Lack of modern safety features and crash protection.
- • Soft, wallowy handling and limited braking performance.
- • Parts availability can be challenging for specific components.
- • Large dimensions make it difficult to maneuver and park in urban environments.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Two-Door Sportsman (facelift 1959): 1958 - 1959).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Fireflite |
| Generation: | Two-Door HardTop |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.9 V8 (295 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1959 |
| End of production: | 1960 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 295 Hp @ 4600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 49.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 529 Nm @ 2400 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: | 4.7 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 kg/Hp, 165.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.4 kg/Nm, 296.7 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1783 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 966 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 12.4° |
| Length: | 5471 mm mm [145mm less] |
| Width: | 2017 mm mm [18mm more] |
| Height: | 1392 mm mm [5mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3099 mm mm [101mm less] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 881 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1491 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 132 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 14.3 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 15.6° |
| Departure angle: | 10.4° |
| 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 | Manual |
| Front brakes | Drum, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
If you could change one thing about the DeSoto Fireflite, what would it be?