The Bertone Runabout: A Bold Reimagining of Automotive Iconography with Modern Performance Prowess
For decades, the realm of automotive design has been synonymous with the breathtaking creations of It
alian ateliers like Pininfarina. However, the name Bertone has long held its own esteemed position, crafting vehicles that exude passion and audacious styling. Emerging from a period of restructuring, the revived Bertone brand is once again making its mark on the automotive landscape with the introduction of its second limited-edition marvel: the Bertone Runabout. This contemporary interpretation pays homage to a legendary Bertone design from 1969, injecting it with modern performance capabilities and, crucially, iconic pop-up headlights, a nostalgic nod to a bygone era of automotive flair.
The genesis of the original Runabout concept lies in its debut at the 1969 Turin Auto Show. Commissioned by Autobianchi, it was envisioned as a mid-engine barchetta, a purist’s dream of open-top motoring. Powering this vision was the modest engine from an Autobianchi A111 sedan, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Its design vocabulary was heavily influenced by nautical aesthetics, featuring a distinctive wedge-shaped silhouette, a striking two-tone paint scheme, and a prominent rear rollover bar. Integrated into this rollover structure were the headlights, a design element that would soon become a hallmark of its lineage. The impact of this concept was so profound that Fiat adopted its foundational principles for the X1/9, a mid-engine sports car that enjoyed a production run from 1972 to 1982 under the Fiat banner, and subsequently transitioned to being produced as a Bertone from 1982 to 1989, solidifying its enduring legacy in the retro sports car category.
This modern iteration of the Bertone Runabout transcends the ephemeral nature of a mere concept. Bertone has committed to a production run of just 25 exclusive units, with pricing commencing at the equivalent of $464,000 USD (€390,000). At its core, the Runabout leverages the exceptional underpinnings of the Lotus Exige. However, these are not repurposed components; Bertone procures brand-new, unused Lotus Exige all-aluminum chassis, onto which the bespoke Runabout body is meticulously bonded. This intricate construction is further augmented by a sophisticated extruded aluminum architecture, ensuring both structural integrity and a lightweight profile, a crucial factor in achieving exhilarating sports car performance.
Propelling this automotive masterpiece is a potent, supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, directly sourced from Toyota. This powerhouse has been meticulously tuned to deliver up to 475 horsepower, augmented by a custom-designed exhaust system that promises a captivating auditory experience. Each of the 25 Bertone Runabouts will be bestowed with a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), signifying its individual road-legal status and exclusivity. This meticulous attention to detail underscores Bertone’s commitment to producing vehicles that are not only aesthetically stunning but also fully compliant with modern regulations, appealing to discerning collectors seeking exclusive sports cars.
While the original Autobianchi Runabout’s unique, fixed headlight placement might not be feasible due to contemporary lighting regulations, the modern version recaptures the spirit of its predecessor with the inclusion of retractable pop-up headlights. This iconic feature, famously associated with the Fiat X1/9, adds a significant layer of nostalgic charm and visual drama to the Runabout’s design. Buyers will have the option to configure their Runabout as a pure open barchetta, mirroring the concept’s unadulterated form, or as a targa top variant, offering a blend of open-air freedom and structural rigidity, much like the X1/9. Furthermore, Bertone offers an extensive personalization program, allowing owners to meticulously select from a diverse palette of materials, colors, textures, and finishes, ensuring that each Bertone Runabout is a truly bespoke creation, a testament to the enduring allure of Italian sports cars.
The interior of the two-seater cockpit echoes the nautical inspiration of its forebear. The dashboard adopts a unique “decking-like” aesthetic, complemented by a functional compass positioned centrally, a subtle yet charming detail that reinforces the vehicle’s thematic coherence. The gear selector for the gated six-speed manual transmission is a mechanical work of art, with its exposed linkages offering a visceral connection to the car’s powertrain, a feature highly sought after by enthusiasts of manual transmission sports cars. This focus on tactile engagement and mechanical honesty sets the Runabout apart in an era increasingly dominated by automated driving systems.
The Toyota V-6 engine’s forced induction is managed by an Eaton/Edelbrock TVS supercharger system, complete with an integrated charge-air cooler. This setup mirrors the configuration found in the now-discontinued Lotus Exige, maintaining a transversely mounted engine layout that drives the rear wheels. The Runabout features imposing 19-inch forged aluminum rear wheels, complemented by 18-inch units at the front, visually reinforcing its dynamic stance. Bertone anticipates that the Runabout will achieve a blistering 0–60 mph time of approximately 4.0 seconds, with a top speed reaching up to 168 mph. This potent performance package makes the Bertone Runabout for sale a compelling proposition for those seeking a blend of classic design and contemporary speed, offering a unique alternative to more mainstream luxury sports cars.
Bertone has not yet announced a definitive production timeline for the Runabout, nor has it confirmed whether any of the 25 units will be officially imported to the United States. However, automotive aficionados will have the opportunity to witness the modern Bertone Runabout in the metal 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 prominently displayed within the Ultimate Supercar Garage, sharing the spotlight with the Bertone GB110 and the original 1969 Autobianchi concept, providing a comprehensive retrospective of Bertone’s enduring design legacy. The introduction of the new Bertone sports car signals a vibrant future for the iconic design house, promising more innovative and desirable vehicles that blend heritage with cutting-edge engineering. For those captivated by the allure of such exclusive automotive artistry and performance, exploring options for custom sports car builds or seeking out limited edition supercars may present avenues to acquire similar unique driving experiences. The Bertone Runabout price reflects its exclusivity and bespoke nature, placing it in a rarefied segment of the automotive market for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate automotive history and unparalleled craftsmanship. As interest in classic car revival projects and unique automotive design continues to grow, the Bertone Runabout stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, heritage, and modern engineering converge.
The Bertone Runabout represents more than just a car; it’s a tangible connection to automotive history, reimagined for the modern era. Its blend of iconic design cues, cutting-edge performance, and limited-production exclusivity makes it a highly desirable proposition for collectors and driving enthusiasts alike. As the automotive world continues to evolve, vehicles like the Bertone Runabout serve as powerful reminders of the enduring appeal of passion-fueled design and exhilarating driving dynamics.
If the prospect of owning a piece of automotive history, infused with contemporary performance, ignites your passion, we encourage you to explore the world of bespoke automotive creations. Discover how you can connect with the legacy of legendary designers and experience the thrill of a truly unique driving machine.
