1972 Suzuki Go Concept by Bertone

The Suzuki Go Concept, created in 1972 by Bertone, was an innovative open pick-up designed to be amphibious, featuring a compact 750cc Suzuki motorcycle engine mounted on the left side with the radiator on the right. Its tailgate cleverly doubled as a loading ramp, and it could be fitted with an outboard motor to propel it through water, reflecting Bertone’s ambition to attract Suzuki’s attention and explore niche vehicle ideas.

Inspired by inflatable rubber dinghies, designer Marcello Gandini envisioned a two-seat vehicle with a long, flat load bay suitable for carrying items like snow scooters or dirt bikes. The ramp tailgate could be lowered via a pulley system operated by the steering wheel, easing loading and unloading. The three-cylinder 67bhp Suzuki engine powered the rear wheels through a chain connected to a five-speed differential-inverter gearbox, enabling five forward and five reverse speeds—a rare and clever feature.

The Go’s design was minimalistic and utilitarian, painted bright green with no doors, windows, or windscreen, and featured simple padded seats allowing water or snow to drain through. Its off-road tires, high ground clearance, and light weight made it capable of tackling rough terrain, while the asymmetrical air intake vents—more numerous on the engine side—were an early example of Gandini’s experimentation with asymmetric design elements.

Unveiled at the 1972 Brussels Motor Show, the Suzuki Go remains a fascinating technological footnote, blending rugged practicality with creative engineering. After decades, it is currently exhibited at events like Auto e Moto d'Epoca in Bologna, where enthusiasts can appreciate this unique amphibious concept that pushed the boundaries of automotive design in its era.