Bertone Runabout: A Nostalgic Masterpiece Reimagined for the Modern Enthusiast
For decades, the automotive design landscape has been dominated by the iconic silhouettes of Italian coachbuilders like P
ininfarina, their creations often gracing the halls of automotive prestige. However, the name Bertone has always conjured a different, perhaps more audacious, spirit. Even a decade removed from its financial restructuring, the revived Italian design house is making a definitive statement with its second limited-edition marvel: the Bertone Runabout. This isn’t merely a tribute; it’s a profound reimagining of a classic, a sports car that proudly wears its 1969 lineage while embracing contemporary performance and engineering, all capped with the unmistakable allure of pop-up headlights.
The genesis of the original Bertone Runabout lies in the fertile design soil of the 1969 Turin Auto Show. Commissioned by Autobianchi, the concept was a mid-engine barchetta – a purist’s open-top sports car – powered by a modest Autobianchi A111 sedan engine mated to a four-speed gearbox. Its design was a departure, drawing heavily from nautical aesthetics. A striking wedge-shaped body, a sophisticated two-tone paint scheme, and a prominent rear rollover bar housing the distinctive headlights all contributed to its avant-garde appeal. This visionary design proved so influential that Fiat adopted its core principles, leading to the development of the legendary X1/9, a mid-engine sports car that enjoyed a successful run under the Fiat banner from 1972 to 1982, and subsequently as a Bertone from 1982 to 1989. The modern Bertone Runabout honors this rich heritage, offering enthusiasts a tangible link to automotive history.
This contemporary iteration of the Bertone Runabout transcends mere concept status. Bertone has committed to producing a strictly limited run of 25 units, with pricing commencing at the equivalent of $464,000 USD (€390,000). The technical foundation of this exquisite machine is sourced from none other than Lotus. We’re talking about the robust, all-aluminum chassis of the Lotus Exige, acquired as pristine, unused components – what the industry refers to as “virgin pieces.” These are then meticulously integrated with the Runabout’s bodywork, which is further reinforced with bespoke extruded aluminum architecture. This fusion of proven engineering and artisanal craftsmanship ensures both structural integrity and a lightweight, agile platform, crucial for any serious sports car.
Under the skin of this reborn icon beats a heart that, while bearing the stamp of Toyota, is anything but ordinary. The supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a testament to modern forced-induction technology, is sourced directly from Toyota. This potent powerplant has been treated to a custom exhaust system, unlocking its potential to deliver a formidable 475 horsepower. Each of the 25 Bertone Runabout examples will receive a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), solidifying its individual pedigree and road legality. This meticulous attention to detail underscores Bertone’s commitment to creating vehicles that are not only stunning to behold but also fully compliant and ready for the open road.
While the peculiar, fixed headlights of the original Autobianchi Runabout, which were likely to face regulatory hurdles for modern homologation, are absent, the spirit of iconic design is preserved. The modern Bertone Runabout proudly adopts the charming pop-up headlights, a beloved feature that evokes the nostalgic allure of the Fiat X1/9. Furthermore, the choice between a pure, unadulterated barchetta configuration, mirroring the original concept, and a more versatile targa-top option, akin to the X1/9, allows owners to personalize their driving experience. This commitment to bespoke tailoring extends to an extensive palette of materials, colors, textures, and finishes, empowering owners to craft a Bertone Runabout that is a true reflection of their individual taste and desire for a custom sports car.
Stepping inside the two-seater cockpit of the Bertone Runabout is an immersion into a world of tactile luxury and functional artistry. The dashboard design cleverly mimics the look of traditional boat decking, creating an immediate sense of sophisticated nautical influence. Centrally positioned, a functional compass serves as a subtle yet potent reminder of the car’s design inspirations. The tactile pleasure of a gated six-speed manual shifter, with its exposed mechanical linkages, adds an element of raw, mechanical engagement – a rare and cherished feature in today’s increasingly automated automotive world. This blend of classic aesthetics and driver-focused controls defines the interior experience of this limited edition sports car.
The supercharged Toyota V-6’s forced induction system is a masterful piece of engineering, featuring an Eaton/Edelbrock TVS supercharger paired with an integrated charge-air cooler. This potent combination ensures optimal performance and responsiveness. In a nod to its Exige origins, the engine is mounted transversely, driving the rear wheels through a robust drivetrain. The Bertone Runabout rides on substantial 19-inch forged aluminum rear wheels, complemented by 18-inch units at the front. Bertone’s performance estimates are ambitious yet credible, projecting a brisk 0–60 mph acceleration time of just 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. These figures, combined with the car’s lightweight construction and advanced chassis, promise an exhilarating driving dynamic that honors the legacy of its predecessors while embracing cutting-edge automotive engineering, a true testament to a high-performance retro car.
Bertone has yet to announce a definitive production timeline for the Bertone Runabout, nor has it confirmed whether any of the 25 exclusive units will be officially imported to the United States. However, enthusiasts eager to witness this automotive masterpiece firsthand will have the opportunity to see the modern Bertone Runabout at the prestigious 2026 Retromobile auto show, held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from January 29th to February 1st. It will be prominently displayed within the Ultimate Supercar Garage, sharing the spotlight with the Bertone GB110 and the original 1969 Autobianchi concept that sparked this remarkable revival. For those seeking an unparalleled blend of heritage, cutting-edge performance, and exclusive craftsmanship, the Bertone Runabout represents an opportunity to own a piece of automotive history reimagined for the 21st century.
The resurgence of coachbuilding marques like Bertone signifies a growing appreciation for automotive artistry and exclusivity. In a world increasingly dominated by mass production, the allure of a meticulously crafted, limited-edition vehicle such as the Bertone Runabout offers a powerful counterpoint. It’s a car that speaks to the enthusiast’s soul, a machine designed not just for transportation, but for pure, unadulterated driving pleasure and an enduring connection to automotive heritage. The attention to detail, from the choice of materials to the performance-oriented engineering, elevates the Bertone Runabout beyond a mere automobile; it is a rolling sculpture, a testament to the enduring legacy of Italian design and engineering prowess.
For collectors and driving aficionados alike, the prospect of acquiring a Bertone Runabout represents more than just a vehicle purchase; it’s an investment in automotive heritage and a passport to a unique driving experience. If you’re captivated by the blend of nostalgic design and contemporary performance, and aspire to own a piece of automotive artistry that stands apart from the crowd, then exploring the availability and specifications of this extraordinary machine should be your next definitive step.
