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DeSoto Firedome Club Coupe (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)
Club Coupe (facelift 1954) Overview:
DeSoto Firedome (Club Coupe (facelift 1954)). With 346 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. 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.
4.5 V8 (170 Hp) PowerFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 4.5 V8 delivered robust power for its era, offering strong acceleration and effortless cruising. Paired with the smooth PowerFlite automatic, it provided a refined and comfortable driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a priority in the 1950s; expect very low MPG by modern standards, typical for a large V8 of this period.
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:
- • Iconic 1950s American styling
- • Smooth and powerful V8 engine for its time
- • Comfortable and spacious interior
- • Relatively smooth PowerFlite automatic transmission
- • Distinctive chrome accents and design cues
- • Good highway cruiser
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lacks modern safety features (e.g., seatbelts, airbags)
- • Soft suspension leads to significant body roll in corners
- • Vague steering and large turning circle
- • Parts availability can be challenging for some components
- • Braking performance is limited by drum brakes
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Convertible (facelift 1953): 1952 - 1953).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firedome |
| Generation: | Club Coupe (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: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 37.6 Hp/l [28mm 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) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 15° |
| Length: | 5448 mm mm [28mm more] |
| Width: | 1969 mm mm [6mm more] |
| Height: | 1632 mm mm [44mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3188 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1403 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1438 mm |
| Front overhang: | 940 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1321 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 178 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.8 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 23° |
| Departure angle: | 17° |
| 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 |
Your first impression of the DeSoto Firedome in one word? Go!