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DeSoto Firedome I Eight-Passenger 4.5 (160 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Fluid Drive
Overall Rating
DeSoto Firedome:
The DeSoto Firedome was a full-size automobile produced between 1952 and 1959 by the DeSoto division of the Chrysler Corporation. Introduced as DeSoto's premium line of vehicles for the 1952 model year, it retained that position until demoted to the least expensive model for 1955. It was reclassified to become a mid-range vehicle for 1957 and was discontinued for the 1960 model year.
The 1953 Firedome was introduced just prior to DeSoto's 25th Anniversary in 1953, and arrived as the new top series, displacing the Custom nameplate which was retired at the end of the 1952 model year. The entire De Soto model lineup was restyled and Firedome prices started at US$2,740. During the 1953 model year, approximately 64,211 examples were produced....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Eight-Passenger Overview:
DeSoto Firedome (I Eight-Passenger). With 339 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. 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 8, it’s perfect for larger families.
4.5 (160 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Fluid Drive Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Delivers strong V8 performance for its time, with the Tip-Toe Shift Fluid Drive offering a smoother, more relaxed driving experience compared to the manual, enhancing its luxury appeal.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is notably poor due to the large V8 engine and carburettor system, typical for vehicles of this vintage and size.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
3.9 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 14 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful and smooth V8 engine for its era
- • Spacious 8-passenger interior offering significant comfort
- • Distinctive and elegant classic American styling
- • Comfortable ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Available semi-automatic transmission (Tip-Toe Shift Fluid Drive) for smoother operation
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy due to large V8 and carburettor
- • Ponderous handling and braking by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids
- • Large dimensions can make it challenging to maneuver and park
- • Parts availability and maintenance can be difficult for a vintage vehicle
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firedome |
| Generation: | I Eight-Passenger |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.5 (160 Hp) Tip-Toe Shift Fluid Drive |
| Start of production: | 1951 |
| End of production: | 1952 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 8 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 160 Hp @ 4400 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 35.4 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 339 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S17-1001 |
| Engine displacement: | 4524 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 23.6 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92.075 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84.931 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7.1:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5699 mm mm |
| Width: | 1934 mm mm |
| Height: | 1700 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 3543 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1513 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.5 m |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Tip-Toe Shift Fluid Drive |
| Front brakes | Drum, 305 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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