The DeSoto Firesweep I 2-Door Sportsman, specifically the 1959 facelifted model equipped with the 5.9-liter V8 engine and PowerFlite automatic transmission, represents a pivotal, though ultimately short-lived, moment in the history of the DeSoto division of Chrysler Corporation. Produced for the 1958 and 1959 model years, the Firesweep was positioned as DeSoto’s entry-level full-size offering, aiming to attract buyers with its combination of style, power, and relative affordability. This particular configuration – the 295 horsepower V8 paired with the two-speed PowerFlite – occupied a middle ground within the Firesweep lineup, offering a step up from the base engine while remaining more accessible than the higher-performance options available on other DeSoto models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | DeSoto |
| Model | Firesweep |
| Generation | Firesweep I 2-Door Sportsman (facelift 1959) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.9 V8 (295 Hp) PowerFlite |
| 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 | 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 | 4.7 l / 4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt |
| Coolant | 16.1 l / 17.01 US qt | 14.17 UK qt |
| Fuel tank capacity | 76 l / 20.08 US gal | 16.72 UK gal |
| Length | 5514 mm / 217.09 in. |
| Width | 1999 mm / 78.7 in. |
| Height | 1438 mm / 56.61 in. |
| Wheelbase | 3099 mm / 122.01 in. |
| Front track | 1547 mm / 60.91 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1516 mm / 59.69 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm / 5.51 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 14.2 m / 46.59 ft. |
| Approach angle | 15° |
| Departure angle | 10° |
| 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 | 2 gears, automatic transmission PowerFlite |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Drum, 279 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 279 mm |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 1959 Firesweep Sportsman was Chrysler’s 5.9-liter (361 cubic inch) V8 engine. This engine, designated within Chrysler as the “B” engine family, 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 via pushrods and rocker arms. The 295 horsepower output was achieved through a 10:1 compression ratio and a relatively aggressive camshaft profile for the era. The PowerFlite automatic transmission, a two-speed unit, was a mainstay of Chrysler products throughout the 1950s. While providing smooth and effortless shifting, it lacked the sophistication and efficiency of later automatic transmissions. The PowerFlite’s simplicity, however, contributed to its robust reliability.
Driving Characteristics
The combination of the 295 hp V8 and the PowerFlite transmission delivered a driving experience focused on relaxed cruising rather than outright performance. The two-speed automatic transmission, while adequate for everyday driving, meant that the engine often operated at higher RPMs, particularly during acceleration. Compared to the available manual transmission options or the more powerful 383 cubic inch V8 offered on other DeSoto models, the Firesweep 5.9L automatic felt less responsive. However, the ample torque of the V8 engine provided sufficient power for highway passing and merging, and the PowerFlite contributed to a comfortable and refined ride. The relatively low gear ratios prioritized smooth operation over rapid acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Firesweep 2-Door Sportsman, even in its base configuration, offered a respectable level of standard equipment for 1959. Interior appointments typically included cloth and vinyl upholstery, a full-width bench seat, and a basic instrument panel. The 1959 facelift brought revised exterior styling, including a more prominent grille and redesigned taillights. Optional extras included power steering, power brakes, a radio, and whitewall tires. The Sportsman trim level generally indicated a slightly more upscale interior finish compared to the base Firesweep models.
Chassis & Braking
The Firesweep rode on a traditional body-on-frame chassis, utilizing an independent torsion bar front suspension and a leaf spring rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride, although handling was not particularly sharp by modern standards. Braking duties were handled by drum brakes on all four wheels. The drum brakes, while effective for the time, lacked the stopping power and fade resistance of disc brakes. Steering was accomplished via a worm-reduction unit, which provided relatively heavy but precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1959 DeSoto Firesweep faced stiff competition from other full-size American automobiles, including offerings from Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth. Critics generally praised the Firesweep’s styling and comfortable ride, but noted that its performance was not class-leading. The 5.9L V8/PowerFlite combination was seen as a good balance of power and economy, but it didn’t offer the same level of excitement as some of its rivals. Fuel economy, typical for a full-size American car of the era, was relatively poor. Reliability was generally good, although the PowerFlite transmission could be prone to occasional issues if not properly maintained.
Legacy
The DeSoto Firesweep, and the DeSoto brand as a whole, was discontinued after the 1961 model year. The 1959 Firesweep, while not a particularly rare or valuable classic car, holds a nostalgic appeal for enthusiasts of 1950s American automobiles. The 5.9L V8 engine, while not as celebrated as some of Chrysler’s other engines, proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant. Today, surviving examples of the 1959 Firesweep Sportsman are sought after by collectors and restorers, representing a unique and stylish piece of automotive history. The PowerFlite transmission, while simple, remains relatively easy to rebuild and maintain, ensuring that these classic DeSotos can continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
