The DeSoto Firedome III Two-Door Sportsman, specifically the 1958 facelift model, represented a pinnacle of American automotive styling and performance during the late 1950s. Produced from 1957 to 1958, this iteration of the Firedome sat at the top of the DeSoto lineup, offering a blend of luxury, power, and distinctive design. It was part of the broader Firedome III generation, characterized by its flamboyant tailfins and emphasis on a spacious interior. The ‘Sportsman’ designation denoted the two-door coupe body style, aimed at buyers seeking a more sporting aesthetic than the four-door sedan. This particular variant, equipped with the 5.9-liter V8 engine and TorqueFlite automatic transmission, was positioned as a premium offering within the DeSoto range.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | DeSoto |
| Model | Firedome |
| Generation | Firedome III Two-Door Sportsman (facelift 1958) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.9 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production | 1957 |
| End of production | 1958 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 6 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 295 Hp @ 4600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 49.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 529 Nm @ 2400 rpm / 390.17 lb.-ft. @ 2400 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 |
| 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 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman was the 5.9-liter (361 cubic inch) V8 engine. This engine, designated within Chrysler’s engine family as the “RB” wedge, was a robust and relatively simple design. It featured a cast iron block and cylinder heads, with a two-barrel carburetor managing fuel delivery. The overhead valve (OHV) configuration utilized a single camshaft located in the engine block, operating the valves through pushrods and rocker arms. The 10:1 compression ratio contributed to the engine’s respectable 295 horsepower output at 4,600 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm. The TorqueFlite automatic transmission, a three-speed unit, was standard equipment. This transmission was known for its smoothness and durability, although it lacked the manual control options becoming increasingly popular in performance cars of the era.
Driving Characteristics
The combination of the 5.9-liter V8 and the TorqueFlite automatic provided a comfortable and capable driving experience. While not a sports car in the modern sense, the Firedome Sportsman offered brisk acceleration for its time. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did result in some power loss compared to a manual transmission. The gear ratios were optimized for cruising, making it well-suited for highway driving. However, kickdown for passing maneuvers could feel somewhat sluggish. The car’s substantial weight (approximately 3,800 lbs) and rear-wheel drive configuration meant it wasn’t particularly nimble in corners, but the independent front suspension helped to provide a reasonably comfortable ride.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Firedome Sportsman was well-equipped for the late 1950s. Standard features included power steering, power brakes, a heater, and a deluxe interior with cloth and vinyl upholstery. The dashboard featured a prominent instrument cluster with gauges for speed, fuel, temperature, and oil pressure. Optional extras included air conditioning, a radio, and whitewall tires. The interior trim was generally lavish, reflecting DeSoto’s positioning as a premium brand. The two-door coupe body style offered a more intimate and sporty feel compared to the four-door sedan.
Chassis & Braking
The Firedome Sportsman utilized a body-on-frame construction, typical of American cars of the period. The front suspension employed independent coil springs, providing a more comfortable ride than a solid axle. The rear suspension utilized leaf springs, which were more robust and better suited for handling the car’s weight. Braking was accomplished via drum brakes on all four wheels. While adequate for the time, the drum brakes lacked the stopping power of disc brakes, which were still relatively uncommon on American cars in 1958. The steering system was a worm-reduction unit, which provided relatively heavy but precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1958 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman received generally positive reviews from automotive journalists. It was praised for its stylish design, powerful engine, and comfortable ride. However, some critics noted the car’s size and weight, as well as the somewhat sluggish performance of the automatic transmission. Compared to other DeSoto models, the Firedome Sportsman represented the top of the line, offering more power and luxury than the lower-trim models. Compared to competitors like Buick and Oldsmobile, the Firedome offered a similar level of luxury and performance, but with a more distinctive and flamboyant design. Fuel economy, unsurprisingly, was not a strong point, averaging around 14-16 mpg.
Legacy
The DeSoto brand was discontinued in 1961 due to declining sales and competition from other Chrysler divisions. As a result, the Firedome Sportsman is now a relatively rare and collectible classic car. The 5.9-liter V8 engine, while not known for being particularly fuel-efficient, is generally considered to be a durable and reliable powerplant. Parts availability can be a challenge, but a dedicated community of DeSoto enthusiasts helps to keep these cars on the road. Today, the 1958 Firedome Sportsman is valued for its iconic styling, powerful engine, and representation of a bygone era of American automotive design. Well-maintained examples command significant prices in the collector car market, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate the bold aesthetics and robust engineering of the late 1950s.
