1953 Lincoln [5] XL-500

Official press release:

An experimental design model created for the Lincoln-Mercury Division combines advance sports car styling with practicability and custom dignity.

This all-new design is the latest in a series of models that are constantly under development by Ford Motor Company stylists and engineers in the exploration of future trends and possibilities. The XL-500 offers a glimpse of what is ahead in automotive styling and mechanical features.

Externally, the car is distinguished by its scarlet fiberglas body and its plexiglas roof. Less than 57 inches high, it has arched rear fenders which allow more space for the wheels and thus permit the frame to ride closer to the road.

An unusual front end appearance has resulted from the separation of the front grille and bumper into two separate units and by the use of a functional air scoop on the hood. The main rear bumper protrudes from the body deck, with separate vertical bumpers integrated in each of the tail light assemblies.

Narrow, graceful but strong posts support the plexiglas top portion of the body. The plexiglas is tinted, glare-proof and heat-resistant.

Carefully organized to comfortably accommodate four adult passengers -a feature not present in most designs of this type - the interior of the XL-500 is replete with highly advanced engineering and styling devices, set off by white and red leather upholstery.

Centered in the hub of the steering wheel are push-buttons which operate the automatic transmission, eliminating the conventional present-day gear shift lever and making the operation of the car completely automatic. The horn ring has been removed from the steering wheel, and has been relocated as a foot treadle on the floorboard.

Safety and engine warning lights are grouped in a unit located in the windshield header bar in front of the driver. This location shortens the eye travel from the road to the panel and insures prompt warning of such things as low oil pressure, battery difficulty, or water temperature.

A myriad of experimental items have been carefully centered in the main instrument panel and in the control pedestal which is located between the two-sectional front seat. Throttle type controls for air conditioning, lights, windshield wipers and radio are grouped on the aircraft type pedestal, as are toggle switches to operate a telephone, dictaphone, automatic car jacks, air conditioning, automatic hood and deck controls and many other mechanical innovations.

The main instrument panel is complete with a speedometer indicator (showing speeds to 150 mph) and a stylized tachometer to show revolutions-per-minute, in addition to a compass, a "magic eye" fuel gauge and an electrically-operated calenometer.

An example of the forward-thinking of Ford Motor Company engineers is seen in the clever operation of the telephone, which rests on a cradle at the base of the control pedestal. When the phone is picked up, the antenna at the top of the windshield is automatically energized and swings from a horizontal position into an upright vertical stance.

The pedestal itself terminates in the rear passenger compartment and contains the rear seat heater. Two air conditioning fans and a radio speaker are located at the back of the rear seat. A full width defroster has been designed for complete visibility in all weather conditions.

Present-day features of production models have been incorporated in the XL-500, such as Lincoln’s new powered four-way front seat, power brakes and power steering. The engine would be an advanced design and more powerful version of Lincoln’s 205-horsepower overhead valve V-8 engine which proved its power and durability when Lincolns finished 1-2-3-4 in the annual Mexican Pan-American Road Race for the past two years in succession.

SPECIFICATIONS

Wheelbase: 123 inches
Overall length: 216.25 inches
Overall height, loaded: 56.92 inches
Overall width, including moulding: 81.5 inches
Tread, front and rear: 59.5 inches