The DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sportsman, specifically the 1958 facelifted model equipped with the 5.9-liter V8 engine producing 305 horsepower and paired with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration in the final years of the DeSoto marque. Produced from 1957 to 1958, this variant occupied a middle-ground position within the Fireflite lineup, offering a balance between performance and luxury. It was part of the broader Fireflite III generation, which itself was a restyling of the earlier Fireflite models, aiming to compete with other full-size American automobiles of the era.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | DeSoto |
| Model | Fireflite |
| Generation | Fireflite III Four-Door Sportsman (facelift 1958) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.9 V8 (305 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production | 1957 |
| End of production | 1958 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 6 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.3 kg/Hp, 159.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.5 kg/Nm, 283.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 305 Hp @ 4600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 51.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 542 Nm @ 2800 rpm, 399.76 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm |
| Engine displacement | 5916 cm3, 361.02 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 104.65 mm, 4.12 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 85.85 mm, 3.38 in. |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l, 4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt |
| Coolant | 16.1 l, 17.01 US qt | 14.17 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1912 kg, 4215.24 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 87 l, 22.98 US gal | 19.14 UK gal |
| Length | 5552 mm, 218.58 in |
| Width | 1989 mm, 78.31 in |
| Height | 1450 mm, 57.09 in |
| Wheelbase | 3200 mm, 125.98 in |
| Front track | 1549 mm, 60.98 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1516 mm, 59.69 in |
| Front overhang | 892 mm, 35.12 in |
| Rear overhang | 1461 mm, 57.52 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm, 5.51 in |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 15.1 m, 49.54 ft |
| Approach angle | 16.3° |
| Departure angle | 11.6° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 10° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 3 gears, automatic transmission TorqueFlite |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Drum, 305 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 1958 Fireflite Sportsman was the DeSoto 5.9-liter (361 cubic inch) V8 engine. This engine, designated within Chrysler’s engine family as the “RB” series, featured a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder heads. It utilized a conventional overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was managed by a Carter carburetor, a common setup for the time. The 10:1 compression ratio contributed to the engine’s respectable 305 horsepower output at 4600 rpm and 542 Nm (399.76 lb-ft) of torque at 2800 rpm. The TorqueFlite automatic transmission, a three-speed unit, was the sole transmission option for this configuration. This transmission was known for its smoothness and durability, though it lacked the efficiency of more modern automatics.
Driving Characteristics
The combination of the 305 hp V8 and the TorqueFlite automatic provided a comfortable, if not particularly sporty, driving experience. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did result in some power loss compared to the available manual transmission options in other Fireflite models. Acceleration was brisk for the era, but the car’s substantial weight (approximately 1912 kg or 4215 lbs) limited its overall agility. The TorqueFlite’s gear ratios were optimized for cruising, making the Fireflite a capable highway car. However, it wasn’t designed for aggressive cornering or quick bursts of speed. The rear-wheel-drive layout and leaf spring rear suspension provided a relatively stable ride, typical of American cars of the late 1950s.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Four-Door Sportsman trim level represented a well-equipped version of the Fireflite. Standard features included a spacious interior with seating for six passengers, upholstered in cloth and vinyl. The dashboard featured a combination of analog gauges and chrome accents. Power steering and power brakes were often included, though not always standard. Optional extras included air conditioning, a radio, and whitewall tires. The exterior was characterized by generous chrome trim, including bumpers, grille, and side moldings. The 1958 facelift brought revised styling, including a more prominent grille and redesigned taillights.
Chassis & Braking
The Fireflite III rode on a traditional body-on-frame chassis. The front suspension utilized independent coil springs, providing a more comfortable ride than a solid axle. The rear suspension employed leaf springs, a cost-effective and durable design. Braking was accomplished via drum brakes on all four wheels, measuring 305 mm in diameter. While adequate for the time, the drum brakes lacked the stopping power and fade resistance of disc brakes. Steering was handled by a worm-reduction unit, which provided relatively heavy but precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1958 DeSoto Fireflite faced stiff competition from other full-size American cars, including models from Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth. Critics generally praised the Fireflite’s styling and comfortable ride, but some noted its relatively high price compared to competitors. The 1.8L automatic combination was seen as a good all-around choice, offering a balance of performance and convenience. However, the manual transmission versions of the Fireflite were favored by those seeking more spirited driving. Fuel economy, unsurprisingly, was not a strong point, averaging around 15-18 miles per gallon.
Legacy
The DeSoto brand was discontinued in 1961 due to declining sales and competition within the Chrysler Corporation. As a result, the 1958 Fireflite Sportsman represents one of the final iterations of this iconic American marque. Today, these cars are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, particularly those interested in 1950s automotive history. The 5.9-liter V8 engine and TorqueFlite transmission are generally considered reliable, though maintenance can be challenging due to the age of the components. Parts availability can also be an issue, requiring resourceful sourcing from specialist suppliers. The 1958 Fireflite Sportsman remains a striking example of American automotive design and engineering from a bygone era.
