1953 Lincoln XL-500 Concept

The Lincoln XL-500 was one of Ford Motor Company's earliest concept cars, a near-contemporary of Ford's X-100 revealed as a full-scale model in 1952 and as a functioning car in 1953.

Unlike the X-100, the XL-500 was what has been called a "pushmobile," lacking any motor and related running gear.  In fact, even its doors were shallow cutlines on the body sides.  Entry was via side widows that lacked glass.

Nevertheless, its design is worth some study, as its styling was closer to future production than the X-100's.

Images below are via Ford.

Gallery

As seen at a car show.

Hood and fender height are similar to that of the 1952 Lincoln.  Hooded headlight assemblies similar to the X-500's appeared on 1956 Lincolns.  The bold bumpers with "Dagmar" guards are in line with early-1950s American styling fashion, though the unprotected prow was not.  (My 1965 VW Karmann-Ghia was similarly vulnerable to denting.)

The wide, B-pillar (potentially a roll-bar) saw production on 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victorias.  The fenderline hump above the rear wheel is clearly non-functional with respect to spring jounce.  Also note that the bulge is not centered above the rear axle line.  Perhaps the shape was selected before the wheelbase was finalized.  Or else it was though that it related better to the C-pillar than if it were aligned with the rear axle line.

The feeling (not the precise detailing) of the tail light assemblies appeared on 1955-56 Mercurys.

View of the interior through the transparent roof.  Automatic transmission gear selection buttons are seen on the steering wheel hub.

Overhead view at a car show.  Hood humps appeared on Ford Motor Company cars starting with the 1952 model year.