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DeSoto Firedome Sportsman 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)
Sportsman Coupe (facelift 1954) Overview:
DeSoto Firedome (Sportsman 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 4.5L V8, producing 170 Hp, offered strong, smooth acceleration for its era, making it a capable highway cruiser. Paired with the PowerFlite automatic, it emphasized effortless driving.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a primary concern for 1950s American V8s. Expect relatively high fuel consumption, typical for a large displacement engine 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:
- • Classic American styling and presence
- • Smooth and powerful V8 engine for its time
- • Comfortable ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Spacious interior for six occupants
- • Distinctive DeSoto brand heritage
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Limited modern safety features
- • Handling and braking are rudimentary compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Parts availability can be challenging for restoration
- • Large dimensions can make city driving and parking difficult
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Convertible (facelift 1953): 1952 - 1953).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firedome |
| Generation: | Sportsman 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 |
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