Bertone built the Chevrolet Testudo, a concept car based on a modified Chevrolet Corvair Monza platform that debuted at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. The car’s name is derived from the Latin word for “Turtle.”
Bill Mitchell, GM’s Vice President of Styling, wanted to increase Corvair sales in Europe by using locally styled versions, resulting in at least two major Italian Carrozzeria submitting designs for the Corvair.
Bertone received a 1962 Corvair 900 (Monza) coupe built in the Willow Run plant, shortened the unibody chassis, and added extra reinforcement. The car’s design was done by Giorgetto Giugiaro, with the aim of merging the two typical views of a car.
The Testudo was powered by the rear-mounted Chevrolet Turbo-Air 6 engine that came with the Corvair, with varying descriptions of the specific engine used. The car was completed in just two months.
Photo Credit: Marco Annunziata (@marcoannunziataphotography)
