1970 Audi 50 Prototype by Bertone

The Audi 50 Prototype, created by Italian design house Bertone in 1970, was Audi’s initial design exploration for what would become their first small hatchback, later introduced in 1974 as the Audi 50. Bertone’s prototype was notable for its innovative design elements, including plastic front and rear shields, which were considered advanced at the time for their lightweight and impact-absorbing properties. While these plastic shields didn’t make it into the production model, they highlighted a forward-thinking approach to urban vehicle design.

The prototype was developed on the same unified platform that would later underpin both the production Audi 50 and the first-generation Volkswagen Polo, which debuted shortly after in 1975. The platform-sharing arrangement allowed Volkswagen Group to streamline production while offering both brands’ customers a similar driving experience in a distinctively styled package.