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DeSoto Fireflite III Convertible 5.6 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite
Overall Rating
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)
III Convertible Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (III Convertible). With 508 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 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.6L V8 engine, producing 295 Hp and 508 Nm of torque, offered robust performance for its time, ensuring effortless cruising and strong acceleration. Paired with the smooth TorqueFlite automatic, it delivered a refined driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a primary concern for luxury cars of this era. The large 5.6L V8, with carburettor fuel injection, would have been very thirsty, likely achieving single-digit miles per gallon figures.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
3 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 2 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful and smooth 5.6L V8 engine (S26)
- • Iconic and distinctive 1950s American styling
- • Luxurious and spacious convertible interior
- • Smooth TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Strong collector's appeal and classic car status
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy due to large V8 and carburettor
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection
- • Handling and braking are characteristic of its era, not modern standards
- • Maintenance can be challenging due to age and parts availability
- • Large dimensions make it less practical for modern city driving
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II Convertible: 1955 - 1956).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Fireflite |
| Generation: | III Convertible |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.6 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1956 |
| End of production: | 1957 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 295 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 52.8 Hp/l [74mm less] |
| Torque: | 508 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S26 More details about the engine S26 |
| 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 [74mm less] |
| Width: | 1986 mm mm [3mm less] |
| Height: | 1448 mm mm [25mm 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 | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | TorqueFlite |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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