Bertone Turns Rapide Sedan Into Wagon

TURIN, Italy – Italian coachbuilder Bertone is set to make a splash at the Geneva auto show next week with a special one-off Aston Martin Rapide.

Done in a shooting brake body style, the Rapide show car was commissioned by an undisclosed third party, who is expected to help unveil the vehicle March 5.

The one-off model was designed by a team led by American Michael Robinson under the direction of British project leader Adrian Griffiths. The car’s higher, longer roof dramatically improves roominess for backseat passengers and expands the cargo area, more easily accessed through availability of a rear hatch.

There’s no change to the wheelbase, chassis or powertrains from the production Rapide coupe. As a result, the car is street-legal and potentially could be produced in limited volume.

The special-edition wagon was created in part to celebrate Aston Martin’s first 100 years. Bertone has a long history of design cooperation with the British brand.