DeSoto Firedome
| DeSoto Firedome | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | DeSoto (Chrysler) |
| Production | 1952–1959 |
| Assembly |
Los Angeles (Maywood) Assembly Jefferson Avenue Assembly |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related |
Dodge Meadowbrook Plymouth Cranbrook |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | DeSoto Custom |
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1952–1954 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 2-door convertible |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 276 cu in (4.5 L) 160 hp (119 kW) V8 |
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1955–1956 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 2-door convertible |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 291 cu in (4.8 L) V8 |
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 126 in (3,200 mm) |
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1957–1959 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 2-door convertible |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 361 cu in (5.9 L) V8 |
The DeSoto Firedome was a full-size automobile produced by DeSoto from 1952 to 1959. Introduced as DeSoto's premium line of vehicles in 1953 and 1954, the Firedome also occupied the least expensive position in the model lineup during 1955 and 1956 model years before it was reclassified as a mid-range vehicle offered by DeSoto between 1957 and 1959.
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.
The Firedome could seat six passengers. It was available as a 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon, 2-door coupe and 2-door convertible. The AM radio was $85.
The Firedome was powered by a Hemi V8 engine producing 160 hp (120 kW) and had a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h). The car weighed 3,700 lb (1,700 kg) and had a 0–60 mph (100 km/h) time of 15.5 seconds. This was the first time that DeSoto offered an 8-cylinder engine in one of its models since 1931.
In 1955, Chrysler dropped its 6-cylinder DeSoto Powermaster series and added the topline Fireflite series, pushing the Firedome down to entry level status. Still, the Firedome was not a cheap offering, retaining its V8 engine, but increasing the 276 c.i. displacement to 291 c.i. with a larger bore, and coming with a host of features and interior upgrades that were lacking in the Powermaster series. While Powerflite 2-speed automatics were advertised as standard transmission equipment on the Firedome, officially the car was offered with a 3-speed manual, although few were produced.
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Wikipedia