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DeSoto Firedome III Convertible 5.6 V8 (270 Hp)
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)
III Convertible Overview:
DeSoto Firedome (III Convertible). With 475 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
5.6 V8 (270 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 5.6L V8 engine delivered robust performance for 1956, offering strong acceleration and ample power for highway cruising, characteristic of American muscle of the era.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a priority; expect very low MPG by modern standards, typical for a large carbureted V8 of the mid-50s.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
4.8 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 16 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 1950s American styling
- • Powerful 5.6L V8 engine for its time
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for 6 passengers
- • Smooth ride quality, ideal for cruising
- • Distinctive and rare classic car
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lacks modern safety features and driver aids
- • Large turning circle makes city driving challenging
- • Maintenance can be costly due to age and parts availability
- • Soft suspension leads to significant body roll
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Four-Door Seville: 1955 - 1956).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firedome |
| Generation: | III Convertible |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.6 V8 (270 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1956 |
| End of production: | 1957 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 270 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 48.3 Hp/l [2mm more] |
| Torque: | 475 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S25 More details about the engine S25 |
| Engine displacement: | 5588 |
| 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: | 19.9 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96.01 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 96.52 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.25:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 9.8° |
| Length: | 5537 mm mm [2mm more] |
| Width: | 1986 mm mm [3mm less] |
| Height: | 1448 mm mm [91mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 879 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1458 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 137 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.1 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 17.7° |
| Departure angle: | 13.3° |
| 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 |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the DeSoto Firedome rank in your book?