1953 DeSoto Firedome 1953 DeSoto Firedome 1953 DeSoto Firedome 1953 DeSoto Firedome
1953 DeSoto Firedome 1953 DeSoto Firedome
Interior Photos   

In 1953 DeSoto dropped in deluxe and custom model names and designated its six-cylinder cars the Powermaster and it's V8 cars the Firedome, as shown here. The engine generated 160 horsepower.

At its height, DeSoto's more popular models included the Firedome, Firesweep and Fireflite. The DeSoto was a brand of the Chrysler Corporation from 1928-1961. 1953 sales of the DeSoto's was nearly 130,000 cars.
In 1952, the FireDome became DeSoto's answer to the demise of the large family cars powered by inline six cylinder engines. Under the hood of the six-passenger, four-door sedan was a powerful Hemi-Head V-eight engine producing 160 horsepower capable of propelling the FireDome to a top speed of around 100 mph. The 3700 pound vehicle could race from zero-to-sixty in 15.5 seconds, about five seconds faster than its nearest competitor.


In 1953 the entire DeSoto model lineup was restyled, adorned in chrome and given luxurious amenities and a cozy interior, all for a base price of $2740. During the 1953 model year, around 64,211 examples were produced.


The FireDome was large and luxurious. The ride was smooth and the list of available options appeared to be endless. By 1958 the horsepower had increased to over 300 with the optional of the 361 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine. Zero-to-sixty now took just under eight seconds with a top speed of 115 mph.


By the close of the 1960's, DeSoto was struggling to find buyers for its automobiles. In an attempt to retain and acquire buyers, DeSoto offered the FireDome in twenty-six solid colors or 190 two-tone combinations.


The FireDome stayed in production until 1960. Production of all DeSoto's came to an end on November 30th, 1960 after 32 years in production.

1953 DeSoto Firedome

Year1953
MakeDeSoto
ModelFiredome
Body StyleClub Coupe
Engine LocationFront
Drive TypeRear Wheel
Production Years for Series1952 - 1959
Price$2,715.00
Weight3640 lbs | 1651.1 kg
Combined MPG0.00

Engine  
Engine ConfigurationV
Cylinders8
Enginehemispherical combustion chambers
Hydraulic valve lifters
Aspiration/InductionNormal
Displacement276.10 CU IN. | 4525.3 cc. | 4.5 L.
ValvetrainOHV
Horsepower160.00 BHP (117.8 KW) @ 4400.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio22.8 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter35.6 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio7.0:1
Main Bearings5
Fuel TypeGasoline - Petrol
Fuel FeedCarburetor
Carter WCD 2-barrel carburetor
Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight


 
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StylingVehicle Styling Rating: 80%
PerformanceVehicle Performance Rating: 60%
InteriorVehicle Interior Rating: 70%
QualityVehicle Quality Rating: 80%
OverallVehicle Overall Rating: 80%
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Articles and Event Coverage
Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival

Additional Resources and Links
Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance Official Website


Other Model Years
1959 Firedome
1956 Firedome
1955 Firedome
1954 FireDome
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