The story of Bertone: the most controversial coachbuilder ever
The beginning of Bertone Bertone was founded in November 1912, when Giovanni Bertone, then aged 28, opened a workshop specialising in the construction and…
Audi 50
The Audi 50 Bertone design proposal.
Vehicle Overview
The Audi 50 design proposal by Bertone, created in the early 1970s, represents a fascinating chapter in the evolution of small car design. This prototype was developed as part of Audi’s preparations for the launch of the 50 model, which was scheduled to enter the market in September 1974. Built on the unified platform that would later underpin the Volkswagen Polo, the Audi 50 featured a wheelbase of 2,335 mm and shared its engine-transmission group with the Polo: a front-wheel-drive layout powered by a four-cylinder, 1,093 cc engine producing 50 hp at 5,800 rpm. Bertone’s involvement in the Audi 50 project introduced a distinctive design language that emphasized both styling and functionality. The proposal included innovative front and rear plastic shields that served dual purposes—providing protection while enhancing the vehicle’s visual appeal. The design featured prominent graphic elements that incorporated Audi’s four-ring logo in multiple locations. This branding was displayed on the radiator grille’s circular openings, the rear shield’s round inserts, and the round fuel tank door, making the logo a central design motif. One of the notable features of Bertone’s proposal was the deeply sunken rear window, a design element that aimed to add a unique character to the vehicle. Despite these distinctive design elements, the final production version of the Audi 50, which went into manufacturing and continued production until 1978, did not adopt Bertone’s extensive graphical treatments. The production model retained a more subdued design, focusing on practicality and cost-efficiency. The Bertone proposal for the Audi 50 remains an intriguing example of how design proposals can influence automotive aesthetics and branding, even if not all elements are carried forward into production models.
Technical Specifications
-
Body
-
Year1974
-
MakeAudi
-
Model50
-
CoachbuilderBertone
-
Length (mm)N/A
-
Width (mm)N/A
-
Height (mm)N/A
-
Units builtN/A
-
Engine TypeN/A
-
DesignerN/A
-
MakeN/A
-
ModelN/A
-
Cylinder CapacityN/A
-
Number Of DoorsN/A
-
Six Month RateN/A
-
Twelve Month RateN/A
-
Date Of First RegistrationN/A
-
Year Of ManufactureN/A
-
CO2 EmissionsN/A
-
Fuel TypeN/A
-
Tax StatusN/A
-
TransmissionN/A
-
ColourN/A
-
Type ApprovalN/A
-
Wheel PlanN/A
-
Revenue WeightN/A
-
Tax DetailsN/A
-
Mot DetailsN/A
-
TaxedN/A
-
motN/A
-
MakeN/A
-
Cylinder CapacityN/A
-
RegistrationN/A
-
Year Of ManufactureN/A
-
CO2 MissionsN/A
-
Fuel TypeN/A
-
Tax StatusN/A
-
ColourN/A
-
Type ApprovalN/A
-
Wheel PlanN/A
-
Revenue WeightN/A
Subscribe
Login
Please login to comment
0 Comments
Oldest
