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DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon (facelift 1959) Explorer 5.9 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite
Overall Rating
DeSoto Firesweep:
The DeSoto Firesweep is an automobile that was produced by DeSoto from 1957 through 1959.
The Firesweep was a lower-priced entry that combined a Dodge shell and chassis with a DeSoto bumper and grill. 1957 models were sold only as imports in Canada. While the Firesweep featured DeSoto's signature tailfins, the front clip was based on the Dodge Coronet. The most telling feature was the headlight design, housed under heavily chromed lids typical of Dodge. Firesweep grilles were similar to those on other contemporary DeSoto models....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Station Wagon (facelift 1959) Overview:
DeSoto Firesweep (I Station Wagon (facelift 1959)). With 529 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. With seating for 9, it’s perfect for larger families.
Explorer 5.9 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.9L V8 delivers robust power, enhanced by the smoother and more efficient 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, offering better acceleration and flexibility than the PowerFlite.
Fuel Economy
While still a thirsty V8, the TorqueFlite transmission offers a slight improvement in efficiency and drivability compared to the 2-speed PowerFlite.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful 5.9L V8 engine for its time
- • Spacious 9-seat interior, ideal for families
- • Distinctive and iconic late 1950s American styling
- • Comfortable, smooth ride quality
- • Collectible classic car status
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy
- • Outdated safety features by modern standards
- • Handling and braking are not up to contemporary levels
- • Parts availability can be challenging and expensive
- • Large size can make maneuvering difficult in urban areas
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I 4-Door Sedan (facelift 1958): 1957 - 1958).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firesweep |
| Generation: | I Station Wagon (facelift 1959) |
| Modification (Engine): | Explorer 5.9 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1958 |
| End of production: | 1959 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 9 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| 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) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 76 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5489 mm mm [10mm less] |
| Width: | 1999 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Height: | 1450 mm mm [7mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3099 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1547 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 14.2 m [above average] |
| 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, 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 |
Does the DeSoto Firesweep live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!