Bertone Runabout: A Modern Marvel Recalling a Glorious Past, Engineered for Today’s Enthusiast
For decades, the automotive world has been captivated by the artistry of Italian design houses. While names
like Pininfarina often dominate the conversation, the storied workshop of Bertone has consistently delivered striking, often audacious, creations that push the boundaries of automotive aesthetics. Now, a decade after navigating a period of significant financial restructuring, the revived Bertone brand is once again poised to make a bold statement with its second limited-edition offering: the Bertone Runabout. This isn’t merely a nostalgic nod to a bygone era; it’s a thoroughly modern interpretation of a classic design, blending iconic styling cues with cutting-edge engineering and the visceral thrill of a pure sports car. This retro sports car aims to capture the imagination of collectors and driving aficionados alike.
The genesis of the modern Bertone Runabout lies in a captivating concept unveiled by Bertone for the 1969 Turin Auto Show. Commissioned by Autobianchi, this original vision was a mid-engine barchetta, a minimalist open-top racer, powered by the engine and a four-speed gearbox from an Autobianchi A111 sedan. Its design was heavily influenced by nautical aesthetics, featuring a striking wedge-shaped body, a sophisticated two-tone paint scheme, and a distinctive rear rollover hoop that cleverly integrated the headlights. The sheer brilliance of this design was undeniable, so much so that it served as the foundational blueprint for the iconic Fiat X1/9. This beloved mid-engine sports car, a symbol of attainable performance for its time, graced roads under the Fiat banner from 1972 to 1982, and subsequently, as a Bertone badged vehicle from 1982 through 1989. The Bertone Runabout therefore carries a lineage steeped in automotive history and innovative design.
However, the 2025 iteration of the Bertone Runabout transcends mere concept status; it is a tangible testament to Bertone’s renewed ambition. Production will be strictly limited to just 25 units, each a meticulously crafted work of automotive art. While the exact pricing is subject to market fluctuations, at its announcement, the Bertone Runabout price hovered around the equivalent of $464,000 USD (€390,000), reflecting its exclusivity and the bespoke nature of its construction. The engineering underpinning this exquisite machine is sourced from the formidable Lotus Exige, a marque synonymous with lightweight construction and pure driving dynamics. Rather than simply re-bodying existing Exige platforms, Bertone employs virgin, never-before-used all-aluminum chassis from Lotus. To this robust foundation, the distinctive Runabout body is meticulously bonded, augmented by additional extruded aluminum architecture to create a unique and structurally sound platform. This sophisticated approach ensures that the Bertone Runabout performance is built on a pedigree of world-class engineering.
Propelling this reborn icon is a potent, supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, directly sourced from Toyota. This powerhouse has been artfully integrated and fettled by Bertone, featuring a bespoke exhaust system that liberates an impressive output of up to 475 horsepower. This meticulous tuning ensures that the Bertone Runabout horsepower figures are not only competitive but exhilarating. Each of the 25 examples produced will be homologated for road use, receiving a completely unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), underscoring their individual rarity and collectibility. For enthusiasts seeking a rare sports car, the Bertone Runabout represents an unparalleled opportunity.
While the original Autobianchi Runabout’s distinct, fixed headlights mounted to the rollover bar are a design flourish unlikely to meet modern safety regulations, the contemporary Bertone Runabout pays homage to its lineage with a classic automotive feature: pop-up headlights. This beloved design element, prominently featured on the Fiat X1/9, evokes a sense of playful nostalgia and enhances the car’s aggressive yet charming demeanor. True to the spirit of its predecessors, the Runabout can be specified as a pure, open barchetta, mirroring the unadulterated freedom of the original concept, or equipped with a targa top, offering a delightful compromise between open-air exhilaration and refined comfort, much like the X1/9. Owners will be granted extensive customization options, allowing them to tailor their Runabout with an array of premium materials, exquisite color palettes, unique textures, and bespoke finishes, ensuring each vehicle is a personal statement. This level of custom sports car personalization is a hallmark of true automotive luxury.
Stepping inside the two-seater cockpit of the Bertone Runabout is an experience in itself. The dashboard artfully emulates a nautical deck, creating an immersive and sophisticated ambiance. A functional compass is centrally integrated, serving as both a nod to the car’s maritime inspiration and a practical instrument for the adventurous driver. Complementing this unique aesthetic is a gated six-speed manual shifter, its exposed mechanical linkages a visible testament to the mechanical artistry at play. The tactile engagement of a manual gearbox in a car of this caliber is a rare treat in today’s increasingly automated automotive landscape, adding another layer to the Bertone Runabout driving experience.
The heart of the Toyota V-6’s formidable power delivery is an Eaton/Edelbrock TVS supercharger system, complete with an integrated charge-air cooler. This sophisticated forced induction setup ensures a potent and responsive powerband. Mirroring the layout of the now-discontinued Lotus Exige, the engine is mounted transversely, driving a set of imposing 19-inch forged aluminum rear wheels. Up front, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels complement the aggressive stance. Bertone estimates that the Bertone Runabout acceleration will be breathtaking, capable of achieving 0–60 mph in a mere 4.0 seconds, with a top speed nudging 168 mph. These figures position the Runabout firmly in the realm of high-performance supercar for sale territory, albeit with a level of exclusivity rarely encountered. For those in the market for exclusive sports cars, the Runabout offers a compelling proposition.
Bertone has not yet announced a definitive timeline for the commencement of production or confirmed specific import plans for the United States market. However, enthusiasts eager to witness this modern automotive masterpiece firsthand will have the opportunity to see the new Bertone Runabout at the prestigious 2026 Retromobile auto show, held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from January 29th to February 1st. The vehicle will be proudly displayed within the Ultimate Supercar Garage, sharing the spotlight with the equally impressive Bertone GB110 and the original 1969 Autobianchi concept car, a powerful exhibition of Bertone’s enduring legacy. This event serves as a vital touchpoint for anyone interested in vintage sports cars or the evolution of automotive design.
In a world increasingly dominated by mass-produced vehicles, the Bertone Runabout emerges as a beacon of individuality, craftsmanship, and pure driving passion. It’s a car that doesn’t just transport you; it tells a story, a narrative of Italian design brilliance, engineering prowess, and an unwavering commitment to the art of the automobile. For discerning collectors and driving enthusiasts seeking a machine that transcends the ordinary, the Bertone Runabout represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history, reimagined for the 21st century.
If the allure of a meticulously crafted, high-performance Italian sports car with a rich heritage speaks to you, then exploring the limited-production Bertone Runabout is a journey worth embarking upon. We invite you to connect with Bertone’s representatives to learn more about this extraordinary revival and to discover how you can become one of the select few to experience the magic of the Bertone Runabout.
