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DeSoto Firedome All-Steel Station Wagon (facelift 1954) 4.5 V8 (170 Hp) PowerFlite
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)
All-Steel Station Wagon (facelift 1954) Overview:
DeSoto Firedome (All-Steel Station Wagon (facelift 1954)). With 346 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 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
4.5 V8 (170 Hp) PowerFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 4.5L V8 delivered strong, smooth power for its time, making highway cruising comfortable. The 2-speed PowerFlite automatic, while convenient, limited ultimate acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Typical for a large V8 of the 1950s, fuel economy was not a priority and would be considered very poor by modern standards.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
4.1 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 9 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Robust V8 engine for comfortable cruising
- • Spacious and practical station wagon body
- • Distinctive classic American styling
- • Relatively simple mechanicals for maintenance
- • Hydraulic power steering for easier maneuverability
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Basic safety features compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Limited braking performance with drum brakes
- • 2-speed automatic transmission is rudimentary
- • Finding parts and specialized mechanics can be challenging
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Convertible (facelift 1953): 1952 - 1953).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firedome |
| Generation: | All-Steel Station Wagon (facelift 1954) |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.5 V8 (170 Hp) PowerFlite |
| Start of production: | 1953 |
| End of production: | 1954 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 37.6 Hp/l [19mm more] |
| Torque: | 346 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S19-1001 More details about the engine S19-1001 |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 21.8 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92.075 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84.931 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5439 mm mm [19mm more] |
| Width: | 1972 mm mm [9mm more] |
| Height: | 1632 mm mm [44mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3188 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1403 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1514 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.1 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 | 2 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | PowerFlite |
| 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 |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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