The Revival of Italian Automotive Artistry: Bertone’s Modern Maestro, The Runabout
For decades, the name Bertone has resonated with automotive enthusiasts as a beacon of Italian design flair, a studio
synonymous with pushing the boundaries of automotive aesthetics. While rival studios like Pininfarina often captured the lion’s share of the spotlight for their breathtaking concept cars and production vehicles, Bertone consistently demonstrated a unique and audacious spirit – a willingness to embrace the unconventional and the utterly captivating. Now, a decade after navigating a challenging period of bankruptcy and rebirth, this storied Italian marque is reasserting its legacy with the unveiling of its second limited-edition marvel: the Bertone Runabout. This contemporary interpretation is more than a mere homage; it’s a potent fusion of nostalgic design cues, modernized engineering, and a distinctly enthusiast-focused driving experience, all wrapped in a package that pays a respectful nod to its illustrious lineage, most notably the original Bertone Runabout concept of 1969.
The genesis of the Bertone Runabout story traces back to the 1969 Turin Auto Show, where Bertone, commissioned by Autobianchi, presented a radical vision. This was the original Runabout, a mid-engined barchetta concept that envisioned an open-top sports car with a pronounced nautical influence. Its wedge-shaped silhouette, a striking two-tone paint scheme, and a distinctive rear rollover bar housing the headlights – a stylistic flourish that would become an iconic element – all contributed to its avant-garde appeal. The concept’s innovative spirit and undeniable visual impact did not go unnoticed by the Fiat conglomerate. The design proved so compelling that it served as the foundational blueprint for the Fiat X1/9, a celebrated mid-engined sports car that graced public roads from 1972 to 1982 under the Fiat banner, and subsequently, from 1982 to 1989, was produced as the Bertone X1/9, further cementing the design’s enduring appeal.
Fast forward to today, and the modern Bertone Runabout emerges not as a fleeting concept, but as a meticulously crafted, limited-production reality. Bertone has announced plans to produce a mere 25 units of this exquisite automobile, with pricing commencing at the equivalent of $464,000 USD (€390,000). This exclusivity underscores the bespoke nature of the project. The engineering heart of this new Runabout beats with the rhythm of a proven performer, utilizing the unadulterated chassis and powertrain sourced from the Lotus Exige. However, Bertone’s approach is not one of mere rebodying; rather, they procure brand-new, unused (“virgin”) aluminum chassis from Lotus. Onto these pristine foundations, the distinctive Runabout bodywork is meticulously bonded, augmented by additional extruded aluminum architecture to create a truly cohesive and robust structure. This dedication to using virgin components ensures a level of structural integrity and purity that befits such a high-caliber vehicle.
Propelling this automotive sculpture is a potent, supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a jewel sourced directly from Toyota’s formidable powertrain arsenal. Tuned and refined for the Runabout, this powerplant boasts a custom exhaust system, unleashing a formidable output of up to 475 horsepower. The strategic integration of this robust engine and chassis ensures that each of the 25 Bertone Runabouts produced will be a unique entity, bearing a distinct Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and classified for road use, ready to embark on thrilling journeys. The commitment to delivering a road-legal vehicle of such caliber reflects a profound understanding of regulatory compliance and a dedication to making these masterpieces accessible for passionate owners.
While the original Autobianchi Runabout’s fixed, forward-mounted headlights, perched atop its rollover structure, were a daring stylistic choice, their direct replication in a modern road car would likely face insurmountable regulatory hurdles. In a nod to the spirit of the Fiat X1/9 and embracing a classic automotive trope that never truly fades from favor, the modern Bertone Runabout opts for the evocative allure of pop-up headlights. This feature, a perennial favorite among automotive aficionados, injects an immediate dose of retro cool and visual drama. Furthermore, Bertone offers a choice of configurations to cater to individual preferences. Enthusiasts can opt for a pure, open-air barchetta experience, mirroring the original concept’s uninhibited form, or a more versatile targa top, providing a delightful blend of open-air freedom and structural rigidity, echoing the popular setup of the X1/9. Beyond these core choices, Bertone extends a comprehensive customization program, allowing owners to meticulously spec their Runabout with an array of premium materials, exquisite colors, tactile textures, and refined finishes, ensuring that each vehicle is a deeply personal expression of its owner’s taste. The level of personalization available is a testament to Bertone’s understanding of the discerning collector and enthusiast market, offering a truly bespoke automotive experience.
The interior of the Bertone Runabout is a masterclass in understated luxury and driver-centric design. The two-seater cabin exudes a distinctly nautical ambiance, with the dashboard thoughtfully designed to evoke the look and feel of a ship’s deck. Centrally positioned is a functional compass, a charming and thematic detail that further reinforces the Runabout’s maritime inspiration. The mechanical ballet of gear selection is celebrated through a visually arresting, gated six-speed manual shifter, its exposed mechanical linkages a testament to the raw, engaging driving experience Bertone aims to deliver. This deliberate exposure of mechanical components not only adds a layer of visual intrigue but also serves as a constant reminder of the sophisticated engineering at play. The tactile feedback and the direct connection offered by a manual transmission are increasingly rare in today’s automotive landscape, making the Runabout a compelling proposition for purists.
Beneath the surface, the Toyota V-6 engine’s formidable power is unleashed through an Eaton/Edelbrock TVS supercharger system, complete with an integrated charge-air cooler. This potent forced-induction setup is a critical component in achieving the engine’s impressive performance figures. In a configuration that mirrors the now-discontinued Lotus Exige, the engine is mounted transversely, driving the rear wheels with commanding authority. These are coupled to substantial 19-inch forged aluminum rear wheels, providing a robust and stylish foundation. The front wheels are equally impressive, measuring 18 inches. Bertone’s performance projections suggest that the Runabout will achieve a brisk 0–60 mph sprint in approximately 4.0 seconds, with a top speed capably reaching 168 mph. These figures place the Bertone Runabout firmly in the realm of high-performance sports cars, capable of exhilarating on-road dynamics and a truly engaging driving experience. The careful calibration of the engine, supercharger, and drivetrain, combined with the lightweight aluminum chassis, promises a compelling blend of acceleration, agility, and top-end capability.
The announcement of the Bertone Runabout’s production timeline and potential import into the United States remains a topic of keen interest. Enthusiasts eager to witness this resurrected icon firsthand will have an opportunity to do so at the prestigious 2026 Retromobile auto show, held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from January 29th to February 1st. Within the hallowed halls of the Ultimate Supercar Garage, the modern Bertone Runabout will be showcased alongside its spiritual predecessor, the original 1969 Autobianchi concept, as well as Bertone’s other contemporary creation, the GB110. This presentation offers a unique chance to witness the evolution of Bertone’s design philosophy and engineering prowess across different eras, highlighting the enduring appeal of their automotive artistry. The presence of these three distinct Bertone creations at a single event underscores the marque’s renewed commitment to innovation and its deep respect for its historical legacy. This convergence of past and present is sure to captivate automotive historians, collectors, and modern-day enthusiasts alike, providing a tangible representation of Bertone’s enduring influence on automotive design and performance.
For those captivated by the allure of timeless Italian design fused with exhilarating modern performance, the advent of the Bertone Runabout represents a significant moment. It’s an invitation to explore the rich heritage of automotive artistry while embracing cutting-edge engineering. If the prospect of owning a piece of this limited-edition revival ignites your passion, we encourage you to engage directly with Bertone or their authorized representatives to learn more about securing your place in this exclusive automotive chapter.
