It may look like as if it were stripped down for spare parts in some bad neighborhood, but the Portofino Concept that will be show at the Caravan Salon due to be held in Dusseldorf from August 29 to September 7 is actually inspired from the open-topped beach cars that were built onto small Fiat models by Italian coachbuilders in the 1960s. Based on the Fiorino, the Portofino Concept has not only lost its roof but also its doors that have been somewhat replaced by nautical ropes. To compensate for the structural loss, Fiat’s designers added a rollbar-like central ring. -Continued

Inside, the Portofino design follows a nautical theme with the interior flooring made out of wood. Other changes include the repainted dashboard and the new seats that have been upholstered with natural fibres treated using a special waterproofing process.

Although Fiat supports that the Portofino is just a study, the Italian automaker also said that a covered version will be available at a later stage for protection against sun and rain. In other words, don’t be surprised if Fiat decides in the near future to offer a production model based on this concept.