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| 1955 Desoto Fireflite Series S21 | ||
| Sedan | ||
| Standard Specifications | ||
| Show Summary |
| Original Base Price | $2,481.00 | |
| No. Produced | 26,637 | |
| Body | ||
| Body Maker | Desoto | |
| No. Doors | 4 | |
| Passengers | ||
| Model Number | ||
| Weight | 3,940lbs | |
| Dimension | ||
| Wheelbase | 126 inches | |
| Length | 217.9 inches | |
| Width | 78.3 inches | |
| Height | 62.7 inches | |
| Front Tread | 60.2 inches | |
| Rear Tread | 59.6 inches | |
| Engine | ||
| Type | V8, Valve-in-head | |
| Displacement | 290.54 cu. in. | |
| Cylinders | 8 | |
| Bore & Stroke | 3 23/32 & 3 11/32 inches | |
| Compression Ratio-Std | 7.5 to 1 | |
| Compression Ratio-Opt | Not applicable | |
| Brake Horsepower | 185@4400 | |
| Rated Horsepower | 44.25 | |
| Torque | 245@2800 | |
| Main Bearings | 5 | |
| Valve Lifters | Hydraulic | |
| Block Material | ||
| Engine Numbers | S21-1001 to S21-35660 | |
| Engine No. Location | On top front of block near water outlet. | |
| Lubrication | Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin | |
| Carburetor | ||
| Type | Dual downdraft | |
| Make | Carter | |
| Transmission | ||
| Type | Helical | |
| Drive | Rear wheel drive | |
| No. Of Gears | 3 | |
| Gear Ratios | ||
| 1st | 2.57 to 1 | |
| 2nd | 1.83 to 1 | |
| 3rd | 1 to 1 | |
| 4th | Not applicable | |
| 5th | Not applicable | |
| Reverse | 3.48 to 1 |
| Clutch Type | Single plate dry disc | ||
| Clutch Size | 10 inches | ||
| Axle Type | Semifloating | ||
| Differential | Hypoid | ||
| Differential Ratio | 3.90 to 1 | ||
| Suspension | |||
| Front | Independent coil springs | ||
| Rear | Longitudinal leaf spring | ||
| Steering Gear | Worm & roller | ||
| Brakes | |||
| Service | 4 wheel hydraulic drum | ||
| Front Size | 12 inches | ||
| Rear Size | 12 inches | ||
| Emergency | On the transmission | ||
| Size | |||
| Other Systems Specifications | |||
| Exhaust System | Single | ||
| Ignition System | Distributor and coil | ||
| Battery | 6 volt storage battery | ||
| Cooling System | Centrifugal pump with thermostat | ||
| Radiator | Cellular | ||
| Fuel Type | Regular | ||
| Mileage | |||
| Wheels, Rims & Tires | |||
| Wheel Type | |||
| Wheel Mfr | |||
| Wheel Size | |||
| Tire Type | |||
| Tire Size | 7.6 x 15 | ||
| Spare Location | Trunk | ||
| Capacities | |||
| Fuel | 20 Gallons | ||
| Oil | 5 Quarts | ||
| Transmission | 2.75 Pints | ||
| Cooling System | 23 Quarts | ||
| Rear Differential | 3.5 Pints | ||
| Front Differential | Not applicable | ||
| Transfer Case | Not applicable | ||
| Classic Rating | Not Rated | ||
| VIN/ID | |||
| VIN/Serial no. | See Additional Information | ||
| VIN Description | |||
| VIN Location | On left front door hinge post. | ||
|
| |||
| Additional Information | |||
| Serial Nos.: 50330001 to 50364093 & 62045001 to 62047586 | |||
| References | |
| Restorer's Guide Chrysler Corp 1987 | Detroit Public Library (Nat'l Auto. Hist. Collctn) 5201 Woodward Detroit MI 48202 (313) 833-1456 www.detroit.lib.mi.us/nahc/index.htm |
| 1955 De Soto Data Book | Detroit Public Library (Nat'l Auto. Hist. Collctn) |
| Serial No. Book for US Cars 1900-1975 G. Brigham | Horseless Carriage Foundation 8186 Center St. Suite F P.O. Box 4119 La Mesa CA 91944-4119 (619) 464-0301 www.hcfi.org |
| Motor Age January 1955 | Horseless Carriage Foundation |
| Motor Age July 1955 | Detroit Public Library (Nat'l Auto. Hist. Collctn) |
| Exterior Colors | ||
| Paint Type | Enamel | |
| Colors | All colors may not be available in all models. | |
| Two Tone Colors Available | ||
| Surf White | ||
| Birch Gray | ||
| Emberglow | ||
| Avon Blue | ||
| Lexington Green | ||
| Dolphin Blue | ||
| Carnival Red | ||
| Cove Green | ||
| Marlin Blue Metallic | ||
| Thunder Gray Metallic | ||
| Sherwood Green Metallic | ||
| Jamaica Bronze Metallic | ||
| Black | ||
| Standard/Optional Equipment | ||
| Powerflite automatic transmission | Opt | |
| Power steering | Opt | |