description
skyline x-50's creators didn't lack any pretension as they nicknamed their machine "the first completely american sports car" / however, the kaiser henry j mechanical basis wasn't particularly exciting, but other features helped forget that dullness / first and foremost, the push-button retractable hardtop was unique on the market at that time / the large frameless windshield was another novelty, as well as the aircraft-inspired cockpit, which is no surprise as skyline was specialized in aeronautics / safety belts, padded dashboard and an easy-to-reach quadrant located on a central pedestal were truly advanced features as passive safety was nothing but ignored then (except the still-born tucker)
despite these good intentions, the skyline x-50 almost left no trace in history / apart from the original brochure, it appears to be impossible to find any information on that car / the prototype that skyline claimed testing on highways is probably lost and the x-50 certainly never came into production

photos
click on the pictures to download the full-size ones

data

identification	skyline x-50
country	usa
appearances	unknown
body	2-door 2-seat coupé/convertible / power retractable hardtop
designer	unknown
engine	front-mounted inline 6 / 161 ci (2638 cc) / 85 hp @ 3800 rpm
transmission	rear wheel drive / 3-speed manual gearbox + overdrive
suspension	front : coil springs
brakes	drums
steering	unknown
wheels	5.90x15
dimensions	wheelbase 100 in (254 cm) / length 175 in (444.5 cm) / width 70 in (177.8 cm) / height 50 in (127 cm)
performances	unknown
production	unknown

photos 01/02/03 : skyline brochure / supplied by bruno boulogne

last updated 17/12/2004