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Lamborghini Portofino: 1987 four-door concept
Lamborghini Portofino — the four-door sports sedan concept unveiled at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show. Here, we delve into its origins from a Chrysler sketch, its technology, and its influence.
Portofino in brief
Lamborghini Portofino — a concept car created by one of Chrysler’s top designers, Kevin Verduyn. It was unveiled at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show as a fully functional four-door, four-seater sports sedan.
This is a rare Lamborghini project where the sporty badge was combined with the idea of a four-door saloon.
History and creation
In 1986, Verduyn created the Chrysler concept model Navajo, which didn’t progress beyond the clay mock-up. In 1987, after Chrysler acquired Lamborghini, the design was revived and, with minor changes, became the Portofino.
The car was built in Turin by Coggiola on a stretched Jalpa chassis, so it had a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
Technology and significance
The Jalpa’s 3.5-litre water-cooled V8 and five-speed manual gearbox were used. The engine could rev up to 7,000 rpm.
The body featured scissor doors and a cabin section without pillars. Instead of the usual badge on the bonnet, there was a Lamborghini bull inside a Chrysler pentastar. Although it was a one-off, its proportions and open cabin space later influenced the cab-forward design of Chrysler LH bodyshell cars.
Where to see it and can you buy one?
The Portofino was built as a one-off concept car and was not intended for sale.
We can't provide information on its current whereabouts, nor is there a price.
Versions and Evolution
The Portofino is a one-off concept car with no versions.
Portofino
1987A unique four-door concept sedan.
- The 3.5-litre V8 'Jalpa', with a five-speed gearbox
- Scissor doors and a cabin without pillars
- Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
The Portofino and other Lamborghinis
| Lamborghini Portofino | Lamborghini Jalpa | Bertone Genesis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | A four-door concept sedan | A two-door sports car | A concept multi-seater |
| Engine | 3.5-litre V8 | 3.5-litre V8 | 5.2-litre V12 |
| Purpose | Show car | Production model | Show car |
The Portofino uses the Jalpa’s technology but a completely different body concept — it was Chrysler’s take on what a four-seater Lamborghini could be.
Pros
- The unusual four-door Lamborghini concept
- Scissor doors and an open interior space
- Influence from Chrysler’s design
- The intriguing history of Chrysler and Lamborghini
Cons
- Never realised as a production model
- Technical base — parts from the production Jalpa
- One-off example
Frequently asked questions
Who created the Lamborghini Portofino?
The concept was created by Chrysler designer Kevin Verduyn, and the car was built in Turin by Coggiola.
What engine does it have?
A 3.5-litre V8 from the Lamborghini Jalpa.
Was it ever produced?
No, it was a one-off concept car.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
