1952 DeSoto Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1952 DeSoto Firedome V-8 Coupe
1. DeSoto Hemi V-8 Arrives
2. Styling Changes Are Minor
3. Firedome is New Top Model
4. Torque Converter Added to 4-Speed Transmission
5. "Solex" Tinted Glass Now Available
DeSoto for 1952 – Hemi V-8 Power Arrives
The cars available at the beginning of the 1952 model run were basically a carryover of the S15 Series of the previous year. Minor exterior changes included rear tail lamp frames which tapered towards the top and had integral backup lights. But the big news for 1952 was the introduction of the brand’s own hemispherical combustion chamber engine, called the “Firedome V-8”.
1952 DeSoto Resources
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1952 DeSoto Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
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1952 DeSoto
| 246 Morocco Brown | |
| 301 Black | |
| 308 French Blue | |
| 309 Fern Green | |
| 309 Gulf Blue | |
| 310 Midnight Blue | |
| 323 Marine Green | |
| 324 Dublin Green | |
| 335 Dusk Gray | |
| 336 Platinum Gray | |
| 345 Arizona Beige | |
| 361 Sovereign Maroon | |
| 365 Ceramic Yellow |
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1952 DeSoto Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1952 DeSoto
The cars available at the beginning of the 1952 model run were basically a carryover of the S15 Series of the previous year. Minor exterior changes included rear tail lamp frames which tapered towards the top and had integral backup lights.
The name “DeSoto” was placed on the hood in block letters in a change from the script style logo used in 1951. The hood medallion became taller and narrower than what had been used on earlier models. After the introduction of the Firedome V-8, all model cars received a newly designed hood. It had an air scoop and a medallion which was similar to the 1951 style. The most noticeable of several design changes was a reshaped hood that sloped towards a flatter, broader looking grille. A more massive front bumper was adopted along with rounder front fender contours.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: The 1952 DeSotos were introduced to the public on November 15, 1951. Assembly of the first Firedome Hemi V-8s commenced October 18, 1951. Close to 85 percent of all DeSotos built were assembled at the Wyoming Ave. assembly plant in Detroit. All V-8 Engines were built at the Warren Ave. plant. The “Transfermatic”, heavily automated machinery in this factory had a capacity of 60 V-8 power plants per hour.
1952 DeSoto Factoids
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The big news from DeSoto for 1952 was the introduction of the brand’s very own hemispherical combustion chamber engine greatly like the new Chrysler Hemi but sharing no parts from the Chrysler engine.
1952 DeSoto Facts – Models Offered
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DELUXE SERIES S15-1 (6-Cylinder): The 1952 DeSoto 6-cylinder S15 lineup continued with the same models as the previous year. The word “DeLuxe” was placed on front fender sides. Significant features included “Cyclebond” brake linings, box-type frame construction, fully waterproofed ignition, narrow corner posts, electric windshield wipers, bolted-on fenders, air foam seat cushions, internal expanding positive action parking brake, Super Cushion” tires, carried over from 1951 was a new wider frame, tapered leaf rear springs, coil front springs, straddle-mounted steering gear and fuel filter in gasoline tank. The L-Head 6-cylinder engine, which had been enlarged in 1951 to 250.6 CID was improved with the fitment of a larger carburetor.
Standard equipment on DeLuxe models included dual sun visors, dual two-speed electric wipers, directional signals with parking brake light, cigar lighter, stainless steel trim rings, illuminated glove box with lock, dual outside door locks, map light, counter balanced luggage compartment lid, illuminated luggage compartment, right and left front door arm rests, interior door locks and bumper guards front and rear.
CUSTOM SERIES S15-2 (6-Cylinder): The Custom Series was also a reissue of the 1951 car, with only the minor styling changes found in the DeLuxe, and as were most regular equipment features. Models in the Custom series were distinguished by the words “Custom”, “Sportsman” or “Suburban” on the front fenders depending on the model. Custom models were set apart from the DeLuxe models by a richer interior with more upholstery choices.
The 9-passenger Suburbans and 8-passenger Sedans continued on the special 139.5″ wheelbase chassis. Interior trim and seating varied in each of these models. The front compartment was equipped with tailored carpets and chrome plated window sashes. Front seat cushions included a foam rubber pad. Interior trim and seating varied in each of these models. The Suburban Sedan had a roof mounted luggage rack as standard equipment.
FIREDOME SERIES S17 (8-Cylinder Hemi): The big news from DeSoto for 1952 was the introduction of the brand’s own hemispherical combustion chamber engine. This V-8 is commonly referred to as the “DeSoto Hemi V-8”. The Chrysler line had introduced a similar engine in 1951 for their vehicles, and the design used in the DeSoto drew from that experience. Regardless, it was the brand’s own unique V-8. It was the first eight-cylinder engine offered in a DeSoto since the in-line L-Head Eight of 1930-1931.
The engine was placed in its own special series with a full line of vehicles, from the 2-door Sedan 4-door Sedan, Sportsman hardtop, Station Wagon, Convertible, and even an 8-passenger long-wheelbase 4-door Sedan.
The new “Firedome” models were, for the most part, fitted out as Custom models with suitable modifications to accommodate the new V-8. Initial identification consisted of “Firedome 8” placed on front fender sides and an “8” on the rear deck lid. Shortly after introduction the “8” emblems were replaced by a “V-8” emblem.
1952 DeSoto Facts – Engines
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DeLuxe and Custom Series I-6: L-head in-line six-cylinder. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 250.6 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.4375 x 4.500 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.0:1.
Horsepower: 116 @ 3600 RPM.
Torque: 209 ft. lbs. @ 1600 RPM
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 236°, Exhaust 236°, Overlap 18°, Lift (Intake) 0.375″ (Exhaust) 0.375″.
Carburetor: Stromberg 380359 or 380349 with M-6 transmission. Carter E9A1 all other powertrains.
Firedome Series Hemi V-8: V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 276.1 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.626 x 3.344inches.
Compression ratio: 7.0:1.
Horsepower: 160 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 250 ft. lbs. @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244 Exhaust 244°, Overlap 26°, Lift (Intake) 0.361″ (Exhaust) 0.361″.
Carburetor: Carter WCD two-barrel models 884S, 884SA or 884SC.
1952 DeSoto Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Long wheelbase models – 139.5″; All others – 125.5″.
- Overall length: Long wheelbase models – 224.375″ Short wheelbase models 208.375″.
- Overall height: 74.875”.
- Overall width: 65.675”.
- Front tread: 56.3125″.
- Rear tread: 59.5625″.
- Tires: Long wheelbase – 8.20 x 15 All Others – 7.60 x 15.
1952 DeSoto Facts – Powertrains
- Four Speed Fluid Coupling Transmission Ratios
- Deluxe: 1st – 3.57:1, 2nd – 2.04:1, 3rd – 1.75:1, 4th – 1:1, Reverse – 3.99:1.
- Deluxe With Tip Toe Shift – 3.28:1, 2nd – 2.04:1, 3rd – 1.61:1, 4th – 1:1, Reverse – 3.69:1.
- NOTE: Standard “H” pattern shift, w/1st not accessible. Not Available with Firedome V-8.
- Four Speed Torque Converter Transmission Ratios
- Firedome: 1st – 3.87:1, 2nd – 2.04:1, 3rd – 1.75:1, 4th – 1:1, Reverse – 3.99:1.
- NOTE: Standard “H” pattern shift, w/1st not accessible.
- Stall Speed: 1400 RPM.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 Deluxe and V-8 Firedome only: 1st – 2.57:1, 2nd – 1.83:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.48:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Overdrive Ratios
- I-6 Deluxe and V-8 Firedome only: 1st – 2.57:1, 2nd – 1.83:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.48:1, Overdrive 0.70:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- 4-Speed Semi-AMT – 3.73:1 Optional: 3.91:1.
- Manual transmission – Deluxe – 3.54:1 standard; Optional: 3.73:1 and 3.90:1.
- Overdrive transmission – Deluxe and Custom – 4.10:1 standard; Optional: 3.54:1, 3.73:1 and 3.90:1.
- Overdrive transmission – Firedome – 3.36:1 standard; Optional: 3.54:1, 3.73:1 and 3.90:1.
1952 DeSoto Facts – Powertrain Options
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- Deluxe: 3-speed manual transmission standard with 4-speed Fluid Drive and 3-speed Overdrive optional.
- Custom: 4-speed Fluid Drive transmission standard with 3-speed Overdrive optional.
- Firedome: 3-speed manual transmission standard with 4-speed Torque Converter transmission and 3-speed Overdrive optional.
1952 DeSoto Facts – Significant Options
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- Electric window lifts.
- Overdrive ($102).
- Power brakes.
- Power steering ($199).
- “Solex” tinted glass.
- Tip Toe Shift with Fluid Drive ($132).
- Tip Toe Shift with Fluid Torque Drive ($257).
- White sidewall tires.
1952 DeSoto Downloads and Images
1952 DeSoto Facts – Related Document Downloads
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1952 DeSoto Firedome V-8 Introduction Brochure
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1952 DeSoto Facts – Related Images
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1952 DeSoto Firedome Convertible
The 1952 DeSoto Convertible was now available as a Custom 6 or a Firedome V-8. 850 V-8 convertibles were produced in the short 1952 production year as well as only 261 Customs.
1952 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman
The 1952 Sportsman finally has some serious “go” due to the addition of the 160 HP Firedome V-8. A Custom 6 version was also available. 3,000 Firedome V-8s were delivered and 2,443 Custom models were sold.
1952 DeSoto Firedome 4-door Sedan
The 1952 DeSoto 4-door Sedan was available as a DeLuxe, Custom and Firedome 8 (shown). Over 76,000 of this body style were sold this year, as follows: Firedome 35,651, Custom 34,328, Deluxe 7,228.
1952 DeSoto Firedome Station Wagon
The 1952 DeSoto Station Wagon was available as a Custom 6 or a Firedome 8 (shown). 550 wagons were sold with the new Firedome Hemi V-8, and 669 with the I-6.
1952 DeSoto Firedome 2-door Club Coupe
The 1952 DeSoto Firedome 2-door Club Coupes were available for all Series. Almost 11,000 were sold this year with the Firedome leading the way with 5,699 delivered. The Custom model and the Deluxe model sold 2,184 and 1,790 respectively.
1952 DeSoto Custom 8-Passenger Sedan
The 8-Passenger Sedan was available in all lines. The Firedome 8 would be well needed to move a 4300-lb. car, but only 80 were sold, with the largest number, 1713 Deluxe models, with another 276 Custom versions. The Suburban 9 passenger (not shown) only came as a Custom 6.
1952 DeSoto New Hood and Tail Lights
There were two significant changes to the cars for 1952. All models received the new taillights, the integral backup lights and the peaked, rather than rounded top. Initially only the Firedome cars received the hood with the real air scoop, but later in the year, all models did.