The Bertone Runabout: A Reimagined Icon of Automotive Passion and Engineering Prowess
For a decade, the automotive landscape has whispered tales of innovation, yet few brands have managed to capture t
he sheer audacity and emotional resonance of bygone eras quite like Bertone. After navigating the turbulent waters of bankruptcy and emerging as a revitalized force, this storied Italian design house is once again gracing us with its unique vision. Introducing the Bertone Runabout, a limited-edition sports car that artfully bridges the past and present, paying homage to its 1969 progenitor while embracing contemporary engineering marvels. This isn’t merely a nostalgic revival; it’s a meticulously crafted statement for the discerning enthusiast, a testament to the enduring allure of retro sports cars with pop-up headlights.
The genesis of the Runabout can be traced back to the 1969 Turin Auto Show, where Bertone unveiled a radical concept for Autobianchi. Envisioned as a mid-engine barchetta, this original iteration drew power from an Autobianchi A111 sedan engine, mated to a four-speed transmission. Its design language was unmistakably nautical, characterized by a striking wedge-shaped body, a distinctive two-tone paint scheme, and a rear rollover bar that ingeniously integrated the headlights. The concept’s impact was profound. Its groundbreaking form proved so influential that Fiat adopted its fundamental layout as the foundation for the X1/9, a mid-engine sports car that enjoyed a successful production run from 1972 to 1982 under the Fiat banner, and subsequently under the Bertone nameplate from 1982 to 1989. This lineage, a blend of avant-garde styling and accessible sports car dynamics, sets the stage for what the modern Bertone Runabout aims to achieve.
Today, the revived Bertone brand is poised to translate this heritage into a tangible reality, albeit for a select few. The new Bertone Runabout is far more than a mere styling exercise; it’s a production vehicle destined for a strictly limited run of just 25 units. The price tag, starting at the equivalent of approximately $464,000 (€390,000), immediately signals its exclusivity and the caliber of its construction. At its core, the Runabout leverages the formidable underpinnings of the Lotus Exige. However, this isn’t a simple transplant. Bertone procures pristine, “virgin” aluminum chassis – meaning they’ve never been integrated into a production vehicle – onto which the distinctive Runabout bodywork is meticulously bonded. This process is further augmented by the integration of additional extruded aluminum architecture, ensuring a lightweight yet incredibly rigid structure, a cornerstone of exceptional performance sports cars.
The heart of this modern marvel beats with a supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, sourced directly from Toyota. This potent powerplant has been thoughtfully augmented with a bespoke exhaust system, unleashing an impressive output of up to 475 horsepower. Each of the 25 Bertone Runabouts will receive a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), underscoring their individual provenance and road-legal status. This commitment to bespoke creation reinforces the limited-edition sports cars ethos that Bertone embodies.
While the distinctive, fender-mounted headlights of the original Autobianchi Runabout, which would likely face significant regulatory hurdles in contemporary markets, are not replicated, the spirit of innovation and playful design is preserved. The modern Runabout embraces the iconic pop-up headlight aesthetic, a direct nod to the beloved Fiat X1/9, instantly evoking a sense of playful nostalgia for enthusiasts of classic sports cars with pop-up headlights. Owners will have the luxury of choosing between a pure, open barchetta configuration, mirroring the original concept’s exposed driving experience, or a more practical Targa top variant, reminiscent of its X1/9 successor. Furthermore, Bertone offers an extensive array of customization options, allowing clients to specify their Runabout with a unique selection of materials, color palettes, textures, and finishes, ensuring each vehicle is a true personal statement. This level of bespoke personalization is a hallmark of luxury sports car manufacturers aiming to cater to the ultra-affluent market.
Stepping inside the two-seater cabin is an immersion into a world of thoughtful design and tactile pleasure. The dashboard adopts a distinctive “decking-like” appearance, lending an almost nautical ambiance, a subtle yet effective homage to the original concept. Centrally integrated is a functional compass, a charming touch that reinforces the theme. The gear shifter for the gated six-speed manual transmission is a mechanical work of art, with its exposed linkages and precise action offering a visceral connection to the driving experience, a feature highly sought after by those who appreciate driver-focused sports cars.
The Toyota V-6’s formidable power delivery is enhanced by an Eaton/Edelbrock TVS supercharger system, complete with an integrated charge-air cooler. Mirroring the layout of the now-discontinued Lotus Exige, the engine is mounted transversely, driving the rear wheels. These are clad in 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, with their front counterparts measuring 18 inches. Bertone’s performance projections for the Runabout are compelling: an estimated 0–60 mph sprint in a mere 4.0 seconds, culminating in a top speed of 168 mph. These figures place the Runabout squarely among high-performance sports cars, capable of thrilling on both road and track. Discussions around exotic car investment often highlight such limited-production, high-performance vehicles as prime candidates for appreciation.
Bertone has not yet announced a definitive production timeline for the Runabout, nor have they confirmed which of the 25 units, if any, are slated for import into the United States market. However, enthusiasts will have the opportunity to witness the modern Bertone Runabout in person at the prestigious 2026 Retromobile auto show, held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from January 29th to February 1st. It will be showcased alongside the Bertone GB110 and the original 1969 Autobianchi concept at the Ultimate Supercar Garage exhibit, offering a rare glimpse into the evolution of automotive design and engineering. For collectors and aficionados of unique sports cars, this event represents a significant opportunity to engage with a piece of automotive history being actively rewritten.
The resurgence of Bertone and the introduction of the Runabout signify more than just a return to form; it’s a bold declaration that the passion for automotive artistry, blended with cutting-edge engineering, is alive and well. This limited-edition creation offers a compelling proposition for those seeking a vehicle that transcends mere transportation, embodying a rich heritage, unparalleled craftsmanship, and an undeniably thrilling driving experience. It’s a chance to own a piece of automotive storytelling, a tangible link to a golden era of design, reinterpreted for the modern age.
For those captivated by the fusion of retro charm and modern performance, the Bertone Runabout presents an irresistible invitation. It’s a call to explore the possibilities of bespoke automotive creation and to connect with a brand that consistently pushes the boundaries of style and engineering. If you are intrigued by the prospect of owning a piece of automotive history reimagined, or if you’re actively seeking the next exceptional addition to your collection of rare sports cars, now is the opportune moment to delve deeper into what Bertone’s latest creation has to offer and to register your interest in securing one of these exclusive 25 examples.
