1963 Chevrolet Corvair Testudo

The Testudo, which was designed and produced in only two months, turned out to be a revolutionary car in more ways than one. The innovative spirit of this car, with its bold, even provocative, styling recalls the numerous American dream cars of the period. It was totally original car, above all for its rear-mounted air-cooled boxer engine - especially considering its American origins (it was in fact built on a Chevrolet Corvair base). It was built as a fully-functioning prototype, and included many entirely new bodywork features and innovative materials. Futuristic not only from a design point of view but also for its proportions, with a vertical height of 106 cm, it was well ahead of its time for the structural characteristics of a GT. The totally transparent greenhouse incorporates the doors and tips forward to open up the cockpit. The rear windscreen also tips forward to allow easy access to the engine, while at the front two disappearing headlights were incorporated into the bodywork.

The Testudo astounded the public when it was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963, after being driven there by Nuccio Bertone himself. A provocative car, there can be no doubt about that, but a very successful one, in true Bertone style.

source: Bertone

The Testudo was driven to and presented at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show by Nuccio Bertone himself. Designed and built in just two months, it revealed a revolutionary and brave concept, with defiant innovations. The car was based on the floorpan and mechanics of the Chevrolet Corvair, the provocative sports grand tour displayed a very futuristic architecture. The totally transparent one piece windscreen and roof cover, tilts forward to allow access into the cockpit. The large wrap around rear window hinges upwards alllowing easy access and maintenance to the rear mounted engine and the flush fitting headlights are retractable.

source: Bertone