The Bertone Runabout: A Resurgent Icon Reimagined for the Modern Enthusiast
For a decade, the automotive world whispered about the return of Bertone, a legendary Italian design house synonymous with b
reathtaking concept cars and influential production models. Now, a decade removed from its financial restructuring, Bertone is not just back; it’s roaring back to life with the debut of its second limited-edition marvel: the Bertone Runabout. This isn’t merely a nostalgic nod to the past; it’s a meticulously crafted sports car that honors its 1969 progenitor while embracing cutting-edge engineering and a bold aesthetic for today’s discerning collector. With its striking design, potent performance, and exclusive nature, the Bertone Runabout is poised to reignite the passion for unique, driver-focused automobiles.
My ten years immersed in the high-performance and exotic car market have shown me a consistent truth: there’s an enduring allure to vehicles that blend historical significance with contemporary innovation. The original Bertone Runabout concept, unveiled at the 1969 Turin Auto Show, was a masterclass in mid-engine barchetta design, drawing inspiration from nautical aesthetics with its wedged silhouette and striking two-tone paintwork. It was so compelling that its influence directly shaped the iconic Fiat X1/9, a car that graced roads from 1972 through 1989. Now, this lineage is revitalized in the new Bertone Runabout, a limited-production sports car that captures that same spirit of adventurous design and driving pleasure, updated for the 2025 landscape.
Reviving a Legacy: The Genesis of the Modern Bertone Runabout
The original concept, commissioned by Autobianchi, was a radical departure for its time. Powered by an Autobianchi A111 sedan engine and a four-speed gearbox, it featured a minimalist, open-top barchetta form. Its innovative design elements, including the distinctive rollover hoop housing the headlights, immediately captured the imagination. This vision wasn’t just a fleeting fancy; it laid the groundwork for one of the most recognizable sports cars of its era. The decision to resurrect the Bertone Runabout nameplate is a testament to the enduring power of that original design and Bertone’s commitment to celebrating its rich heritage.
The modern iteration of the Bertone Runabout transcends the typical concept car hype. Bertone has announced plans to produce a strictly limited run of just 25 units, each representing a significant investment with a price point equivalent to approximately $464,000 (€390,000). This exclusivity immediately positions the Bertone Runabout among the most coveted vehicles for collectors and enthusiasts seeking something truly extraordinary. What sets this revival apart is not just the styling, but the intelligent integration of proven, high-performance components.
Underpinnings of Excellence: Lotus Exige DNA Meets Toyota Power
Instead of developing a bespoke chassis from the ground up, Bertone has chosen a sophisticated and potent foundation: the underpinnings of the Lotus Exige. However, this is not a simple transplant. The all-aluminum chassis are sourced as virgin pieces, ensuring a pristine starting point. The Runabout’s unique body is then meticulously bonded to this robust Exige structure, further augmented by additional extruded aluminum architecture. This strategic approach leverages the renowned lightweight construction and dynamic prowess of Lotus engineering, providing a perfect platform for the Bertone Runabout’s performance ambitions.
At the heart of this reborn icon beats a supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, sourced directly from Toyota. This is not just any V-6; it’s a powerhouse unit, a key component that contributes significantly to the Bertone Runabout’s thrilling performance figures. With a custom exhaust system meticulously tuned for both sound and performance, this engine delivers an impressive output of up to 475 horsepower. The engine’s robust nature, combined with the lightweight chassis, promises a driving experience that is both exhilarating and engaging. Each of the 25 Bertone Runabout examples will receive a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), further solidifying its individual provenance and road-legal status worldwide.
Design Evolution: Nostalgia Meets Modernity
While the original Autobianchi Runabout’s unique, fixed headlights mounted to the rollover bar were visually striking, they would not meet modern safety regulations. The new Bertone Runabout ingeniously pays homage to its predecessor with a modern interpretation: pop-up headlights. This beloved feature, a hallmark of sports cars from the 1970s and 80s, including the Fiat X1/9, instantly evokes a sense of retro cool while adhering to contemporary standards.
The design language of the Bertone Runabout masterfully balances its historical roots with a decidedly modern edge. Buyers will have the privilege of personalizing their machines to an extraordinary degree. Bertone is offering extensive customization options, allowing owners to specify an array of materials, colors, textures, and finishes. This bespoke approach ensures that each Bertone Runabout will be a unique reflection of its owner’s individual taste, further enhancing its collectible value and personal appeal.
The choice between a pure, open barchetta configuration, mirroring the original concept, or a more versatile targa top, reminiscent of the X1/9, provides an additional layer of personalization. This flexibility caters to different driving preferences and weather conditions, making the Bertone Runabout as practical as it is breathtaking.
An Interior Crafted for Connection
Stepping inside the Bertone Runabout reveals an interior that is as thoughtfully designed as its exterior. The two-seater cockpit is a driver-centric environment that prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality. A distinctive decking-like texture adorns the dashboard, lending a nautical feel that subtly connects to the car’s conceptual origins. At the heart of the dashboard sits a functional compass, a charming and practical touch that reinforces the Runabout’s adventurous spirit.
Perhaps one of the most captivating elements of the interior is the gated six-speed manual shifter. Its exposed mechanicals are a visual treat, a tactile reminder of the raw, mechanical engagement that defines the Bertone Runabout experience. In an era increasingly dominated by automated transmissions, the presence of a precise, engaging manual gearbox is a significant draw for purists and driving enthusiasts alike. It signifies a commitment to a more visceral and connected driving experience, a core tenet of any true sports car.
Performance Dynamics: Unleashing the Supercharged V-6
The supercharged V-6 engine is a marvel of engineering, featuring an Eaton/Edelbrock TVS supercharger system with an integrated charge-air cooler. This sophisticated forced induction setup ensures optimal power delivery across the rev range. Much like the now-discontinued Exige, the engine is mounted transversely, a configuration that contributes to the car’s balanced weight distribution and agile handling.
Power is channeled to the rear wheels, which are clad in 19-inch forged aluminum rims, while the front wheels are slightly smaller at 18 inches. This staggered setup is not merely for aesthetics; it contributes to the car’s dynamic balance and handling characteristics. Bertone’s performance estimates for the Bertone Runabout are compelling: a brisk 0–60 mph acceleration time of just 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. These figures place the Bertone Runabout firmly in the realm of serious performance, capable of thrilling any driver who takes the wheel.
The emphasis on a pure driving experience is evident in every facet of the Bertone Runabout. The integration of the Lotus chassis ensures exceptional handling dynamics, renowned for their feedback and communicative nature. This is a car designed to be driven, to be felt, and to connect the driver intimately with the road. The combination of explosive acceleration and razor-sharp handling promises an unforgettable driving adventure, whether carving through winding country roads or enjoying spirited drives on the open highway.
Market Positioning and Availability: A Rare Gem
The Bertone Runabout is not just a car; it’s an investment in automotive art and engineering. Its limited production run of 25 units guarantees exclusivity, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors who value rarity and historical significance. While Bertone has not yet announced a specific production timeline for the Bertone Runabout, the anticipation is palpable. The availability of this exceptional machine in key markets, including the United States, will be a significant factor for enthusiasts eager to acquire one of these masterpieces.
The unveiling of the modern Bertone Runabout at prestigious international events, such as the 2026 Retromobile auto show at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, underscores its importance within the automotive calendar. Displayed alongside other significant Bertone creations, including the GB110 and the original 1969 Autobianchi concept, the Bertone Runabout serves as a powerful testament to Bertone’s enduring legacy and its exciting future. Its presence at such high-profile shows signifies its status as a significant new entrant in the exclusive world of limited-edition sports cars.
The allure of the Bertone Runabout extends beyond its mechanical prowess and design elegance. It represents a philosophy of automotive creation that prioritizes passion, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to the driving experience. In a world of increasingly homogenous vehicles, the Bertone Runabout stands as a beacon of individuality and automotive artistry. It’s a car that commands attention, sparks conversation, and delivers an unparalleled driving sensation.
For those who appreciate the finer things in automotive life – the blend of heritage, cutting-edge engineering, and exclusive design – the Bertone Runabout represents an opportunity to own a piece of automotive history that is simultaneously living and breathing for the modern era. Its sophisticated blend of Italian design flair, British chassis dynamics, and Japanese powertrain reliability creates a truly unique and compelling package. The Bertone Runabout is more than just a car; it’s a statement, a passion project realized, and a dream machine for the discerning automotive connoisseur.
If the spirit of the classic sports car, reimagined with contemporary excellence, resonates with you, the arrival of the Bertone Runabout presents an exceptional opportunity. Explore the possibility of making this automotive masterpiece your own and experience the pinnacle of limited-edition sports car luxury and performance.
