Ever wonder what happens when a world-famous designer has complete creative control?
Vol. 1 of "Drive Aesthetic" features the combination of two legendary automotive icons: Chevrolet and industrial designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro.
Background
The Chevrolet Corvair, produced from 1960 to 1969, was a rear-engined, air-cooled compact car designed to compete with the Volkswagen Beetle. Spanning two generations, it was offered in various body styles, including sedans, coupes, convertibles, station wagons, and vans, with total production reaching 1.8 million units.
Initially named after a 1954 Corvette concept, the “air” in Corvair referenced its cooling system. The car became controversial due to claims about its handling, notably criticized in Ralph Nader’s Unsafe at Any Speed.
The Chevrolet Corvair Testudo
In 1962, as safety debates surrounded Chevrolet’s Corvair, coachbuilders began exploring Corvair-based concepts. Bertone, an Italian industrial design company, eager to expand internationally joined efforts with Bill Mitchell, Director of GM Style Center who was equally as eager to promote the Corvair, but using locally styled designs. Nuccio Bertone tasked Giugiaro with creating a prototype for the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, leaving him free to address both the Corvair’s styling and its handling flaws. What happens when a designer can go nuts?! MAGIC!!
Giugiaro modified the Corvair Monza’s chassis by shortening and reinforcing it, lowering the center of gravity, and lightening the front to improve stability and grip. He designed the Testudo with aerodynamic, rounded shapes inspired by a tortoise shell, which influenced its name. Its innovations included a wraparound Plexiglas roof, upward-swiveling headlights, and a low, balanced profile (106 cm high) that suggested a front-engine layout despite its rear-engine configuration.
The Final Prototype:
The Testudo dazzled at Geneva, catching the eye of Ferruccio Lamborghini, who later enlisted Bertone to design iconic models like the Miura, incorporating elements from the Testudo. Giugiaro’s creation left a lasting legacy, shaping the future of concept and grand touring car design.
The Testudo left a significant mark on automotive design, influencing later Bertone creations like the Lamborghini Miura, Alfa Romeo Montreal, and Fiat 850 Spider. The Ferrari Daytona (1968) is said to echo its styling, while designers like Dick Teague drew inspiration from it for the 1975 AMC Pacer. Anatole “Tony” Lapine also credited the Testudo as an influence on his work for the 1977 Porsche 928.
Giugiaro described the Testudo as the first car he was given complete creative freedom to design.
All images of the 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Testudo are credited to Giorgetto & Fabrizio Giugiaro
Love this, well done!
'Drive Aesthetic' is an experimental series that celebrates the intersection of design, culture, and history and its influence on the automobile industry. Each volume will be dedicated to a unique story/project —not just for its looks, but for its artistry, creativity, and the passion that brought it to life. Please, I encourage feedback: Is this too wordy? Do you only want to see pictures? Do you want deeper detail on the history and outcome? I plan to always include pictures and sources - Please let me know your thoughts on this pilot episode. Vol. 1 is the 1962 Chevrolet Corvair Testudo designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
This was great
Thanks. I hope you’re being genuine. I’m his is a pilot episode I hope to adjust and tweak so it gets better over time. If not, it’s still a really fun exercise for me personally.
This space needs more car culture. It was a good read, was interesting to learn that this Chevy work influenced the 928! Also never would have thought a Chevrolet shared the same design language as a Miura!
Oh how interesting!! I love the Chevrolet, it is the car that circulates the most in Cuba but from the 50s
so many 50s cars is Havana. My goodness they are endless 100 $DEGEN
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The idea seems excellent to me, for me that I live in a city surrounded by incredible cars that seem to be stopped in time, to see their evolution and everything involved is great. Since I'm on this channel I try to look more at the details. The Testudo is a fine piece, and the white color highlights more its elegance.
Wow what amazing models, a remarkable change from the Chevrolets I see every day to those.... Beautiful cars. The pictures are great, I liked that you included them.
Thanks I hope you enjoyed the story/background behind it. For the record none of those photos were taken or owned by me, and thats how I plan the series will go. Showcasing others historic work and design