INFINITI M Convertible Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Infiniti officially started selling vehicles in November 1989 with the M30 series, mostly a re-badged Nissan Laurel, a car that was not available in the U.S.

The Leopard was one of the best production coups in the Nissan portfolio in 1988. The management decided that it was perfect to launch it on the American market re-badged as an Infiniti. It shared some parts with the Skyline, and it proved to be extremely reliable. Unlike the Japanese version, which was available only as a coupe, in the U.S., it was offered as a convertible as well and transformed into a soft-top vehicle on the American soil.

In 1986, Nissan introduced the Leopard on the Japanese market with an angular design and slim horizontal headlights. The narrow front end and slightly raised hood continued with a rakish windshield. There was no B-pillar or center safety arch. The power-roof system was developed by American Sunroof Corporation and featured automatic, push-button operation. In order to pass the U.S. safety requirements, the Infiniti M30 Convertible was fitted with bigger bumpers.

The M30 convertible interior was carefully crafted with leather upholstery extended on the doors and side panels. It featured an angular-looking dashboard, with a center stack slightly sloped toward the front. Four passengers could sit inside, but with limited legroom for the rear ones.

Infiniti installed a 3.0-liter V6 engine under the hood, paired to a standard 4-speed automatic transmission.