The DeSoto Firedome III Two-Door Sportsman, specifically the 1959 facelift model equipped with the 6.3-liter V8 engine and TorqueFlite automatic transmission, represents a pivotal, though ultimately short-lived, moment in the American automotive landscape. Produced for the 1958 and 1959 model years, the Firedome III was positioned as DeSoto’s full-size offering, aiming to blend luxury, performance, and distinctive styling. This particular variant, with its substantial V8 and automatic gearbox, was intended to appeal to buyers seeking a comfortable and powerful cruising experience. It existed within the broader context of Chrysler Corporation’s efforts to compete with the dominant General Motors and Ford in the American market, and was built on the shared Chrysler B-body platform.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | DeSoto |
| Model | Firedome |
| Generation | Firedome III Two-Door Sportsman (facelift 1959) |
| Type (Engine) | 6.3 V8 (305 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production | 1958 |
| End of production | 1959 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 6 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 305 Hp @ 4600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 48.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 556 Nm @ 2400 rpm / 410.08 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm |
| Engine displacement | 6276 cm3 / 382.99 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 107.95 mm / 4.25 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 85.85 mm / 3.38 in. |
| Compression ratio | 10.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l / 4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt |
| Coolant | 15.1 l / 15.96 US qt | 13.29 UK qt |
| Fuel tank capacity | 87 l / 22.98 US gal | 19.14 UK gal |
| Length | 5616 mm / 221.1 in. |
| Width | 1999 mm / 78.7 in. |
| Height | 1400 mm / 55.12 in. |
| Wheelbase | 3200 mm / 125.98 in. |
| Front track | 1549 mm / 60.98 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1516 mm / 59.69 in. |
| Front overhang | 889 mm / 35 in. |
| Rear overhang | 1527 mm / 60.12 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 142 mm / 5.59 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 15.2 m / 49.87 ft. |
| Approach angle | 15° |
| Departure angle | 11° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 10.4° |
| 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 torsion bar, double wishbone |
| 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 1959 Firedome III Sportsman was Chrysler’s 383 cubic inch (6.3-liter) V8 engine. This engine, designated as the “B” engine family, was a robust and relatively simple design featuring a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder heads. The 1959 iteration produced 305 horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 410 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm. It utilized a single Carter carburetor, and an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The engine’s 10.1:1 compression ratio contributed to its strong performance. The TorqueFlite automatic transmission, a three-speed unit, was the sole transmission option for this model. This transmission was known for its smoothness and durability, though it lacked the efficiency of more modern automatics. The combination of the large-displacement V8 and the TorqueFlite provided a comfortable and effortless driving experience, prioritizing smooth acceleration over outright speed.
Driving Characteristics
The Firedome III Sportsman, with its 305 hp V8 and automatic transmission, offered a distinctly American driving experience of the late 1950s. Acceleration was brisk, but not particularly startling by modern standards. The TorqueFlite transmission provided smooth, almost imperceptible shifts, contributing to a relaxed cruising experience. However, the automatic transmission’s gear ratios were geared more towards comfortable highway driving than spirited acceleration. Compared to a manual transmission-equipped Firedome, the automatic version would have felt slightly less responsive. The car’s substantial weight (approximately 3,800 lbs) also contributed to a feeling of substantiality rather than agility. Steering was accomplished through a worm-reduction unit, which provided a somewhat indirect feel, typical of the era.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Firedome III Two-Door Sportsman was relatively well-equipped for its time, though not as lavishly as some of its competitors. Standard features included full wheel covers, a heater, and a basic radio. The interior was typically upholstered in cloth and vinyl, with a focus on comfort and durability. Optional extras included power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, and a more sophisticated radio. The “Sportsman” designation indicated a slightly more upscale trim level, often including two-tone paint schemes and additional chrome trim. The dashboard layout was typical of the late 1950s, featuring a large speedometer and fuel gauge, along with smaller indicators for temperature and oil pressure.
Chassis & Braking
The Firedome III rode on a traditional body-on-frame chassis. The front suspension utilized an independent torsion bar and double wishbone setup, providing a reasonably comfortable ride. The rear suspension employed leaf springs, which were common for full-size American cars of the period. Braking was accomplished via drum brakes on all four wheels. While adequate for the car’s weight and performance, the drum brakes lacked the stopping power and fade resistance of disc brakes. The steering system utilized a worm-reduction unit, which provided a relatively slow steering ratio.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1959 DeSoto Firedome III Sportsman received mixed reviews from contemporary automotive critics. While the engine was praised for its power and smoothness, the car’s styling was considered somewhat conservative compared to the more flamboyant designs offered by competitors like Chevrolet and Ford. The automatic transmission was generally well-received, but some critics noted that it could feel sluggish in certain situations. Fuel economy was, unsurprisingly, poor by modern standards, averaging around 15-18 mpg. Compared to other Firedome trims, the 383 V8/TorqueFlite combination offered a significant performance upgrade over the base engine, but at a higher price point. The Firedome was positioned as a step up from the DeSoto Diplomat, offering more power and luxury features.
Legacy
The DeSoto Firedome III Two-Door Sportsman, and the DeSoto brand as a whole, ultimately proved to be a commercial failure. Chrysler discontinued the DeSoto marque in 1961 due to declining sales and increasing competition. Today, the 1959 Firedome III is a relatively rare and collectible classic car. The 383 V8 engine is known for its durability and relative simplicity, making it a popular choice for restoration projects. While not a particularly high-performance vehicle by modern standards, the Firedome III represents a fascinating chapter in American automotive history, embodying the style and engineering of the late 1950s. Finding well-maintained examples can be challenging, and parts availability can be limited, but the car’s distinctive styling and powerful V8 engine continue to appeal to enthusiasts.
