DeSoto Fireflite I Four-Door Sedan 4.8 V8 (200 Hp)
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DeSoto Fireflite:
The DeSoto Fireflite is a full-size premium automobile which was produced by DeSoto in the United States from 1955 until 1960.
The Fireflite was introduced in 1955 as DeSoto's top trim package of the DeSoto Firedome. It was wider and longer than the Firedome, and came equipped with a hemispherical cylinder head, 291 cubic inch displacement V8 engine producing 200 hp when equipped with the 4-barrel carburetor , and PowerFlite automatic transmission. The transmission was operated by a Flite-Control lever located on the dashboard. The car weighed 4,070 lb and cost US$3,544. AM radio was a US$110 option....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Four-Door Sedan Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (I Four-Door Sedan). With 371 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1764 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. 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 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
Performance Verdict
This 4.8L V8 delivered a robust 200 horsepower, providing excellent performance for a 1954 sedan. It offered strong torque for effortless acceleration and comfortable highway speeds, characteristic of American luxury cars of the era.
Fuel Economy
As with most large V8 engines from this period, fuel efficiency was not a priority. Owners should anticipate high fuel consumption, making it more suitable for leisure drives than daily commuting.
Best Use Case:
Leisure Drives / Show Car
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 1950s styling and presence
- • Powerful V8 engine for its era (200 Hp)
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for six passengers
- • Smooth ride quality, ideal for cruising
- • Historical significance as a classic American automobile
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids
- • Dated handling and braking performance
- • Parts availability can be challenging for restoration and maintenance
- • Requires specialized knowledge for upkeep and repairs
Specifications:
| General: |
| Brand: | DeSoto |
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| Model: | Fireflite |
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| Generation: | I Four-Door Sedan |
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| Modification (Engine): | 4.8 V8 (200 Hp) |
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| Start of production: | 1954 |
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| End of production: | 1955 |
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| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
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| Body type: | Sedan |
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| Seats: | 6 |
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| Doors: | 4 |
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| Engine: |
| Power: | 200 Hp @ 4400 rpm. |
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| Power per litre: | 41.9 Hp/l |
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| Torque: | 371 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
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| Engine Model/Code: | S22-1001 |
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| Engine displacement: | 4769 |
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| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
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| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
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| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
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| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
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| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
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| Valvetrain: | OHV |
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| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
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| Coolant: | 22.7 l |
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| Cylinder Bore: | 94.49 mm mm |
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| Piston Stroke: | 84.931 mm mm |
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| Compression ratio: | 7.5:1 |
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| Performance: |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
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| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.8 kg/Hp, 113.4 Hp/tonne |
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| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.8 kg/Nm, 210.3 Nm/tonne |
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| Space: |
| Kerb Weight: | 1764 |
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| Fuel tank capacity: | 76 l |
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| Size: |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 11° |
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| Length: | 5535 mm mm |
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| Width: | 1989 mm mm |
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| Height: | 1539 mm mm |
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| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm |
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| Front track: | 1529 mm |
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| Rear (Back) track: | 1514 mm |
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| Front overhang: | 930 mm |
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| Rear overhang: | 1405 mm |
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| Ride height (ground clearance): | 160 mm |
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| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.4 m |
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| Approach angle: | 21° |
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| Departure angle: | 12° |
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| Powertrain: |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
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| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
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| Number of gears | 3 |
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| Transmission type | Manual |
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| Front brakes | Drum, 305 mm |
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| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm |
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| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
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| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
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| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
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| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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