Fiat's latest concept, the Portofino, was inspired by the open-topped beach cars that Italian coachbuilders used to make out of original 500s and other small Fiats in the 1960s.
It's set to appear at the Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, which runs from 30 August to 7 September.
The Portofino is based on the Fiorino Qubo mini-van and seats five with room for luggage, but comes without a roof or doors, which have been replaced by nautical ropes. Sensibly, the designers have added a roll bar for safety and structural rigidity, along with traction control and a speed limiter.
Further nautical touches are found inside with a wooden floor and seats made out of natural, waterproof fibres.
According to Fiat, the Portofino is only a study, but the Italian company added that a covered version will be made, which may hint at future production.
Dejan Jovanovic - 28 Aug 2008