Bertone Runabout: A Modern Homage to Automotive Iconoclasm with Lotus Prowess and Toyota Vigor
For a decade, the automotive world has watched the resurgence of Bertone, a name synonymous with daring d
esign and unforgettable concepts. Emerging from a challenging chapter in its history, the revived Italian marque has once again captured attention with its second limited-edition offering: the Bertone Runabout. This striking sports car is not merely a revival; it’s a meticulously crafted homage to a legendary Bertone design from 1969, re-imagined for the 21st century with a blend of contemporary engineering and evocative retro styling. With its distinctive pop-up headlights and sophisticated Lotus Exige underpinnings, the Bertone Runabout promises a driving experience that’s as exhilarating as its lineage suggests.
A Legacy Forged in Fiberglass and Vision
The automotive design landscape has long been dominated by titans like Pininfarina, celebrated for their elegant creations. Yet, Bertone consistently carved its own niche, pushing boundaries with designs that were as audacious as they were alluring. The story of the Bertone Runabout truly begins in 1969, at the prestigious Turin Auto Show. It was here that Bertone unveiled a visionary mid-engine barchetta concept, commissioned by Autobianchi. This original Runabout was a testament to nautical inspiration, boasting a distinctive wedge-shaped silhouette, a sophisticated two-tone paint scheme, and a prominent rear rollover bar that housed its headlights. Powering this groundbreaking concept was a modest Autobianchi A111 sedan engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission.
The impact of this original concept was profound. Its innovative mid-engine layout and striking aesthetics proved so influential that Fiat adopted its fundamental design principles for the X1/9. This iconic mid-engine sports car graced the roads from 1972 to 1982 under the Fiat banner, and subsequently, from 1982 to 1989, it carried the Bertone nameplate, solidifying the Runabout’s place in automotive history. The spirit of that original design, characterized by its avant-garde form and driver-centric ethos, is precisely what the modern Bertone Runabout seeks to recapture and amplify.
Bridging Eras: The Modern Bertone Runabout Unveiled
Fast forward to today, and the Bertone Runabout emerges not as a fleeting concept but as a tangible, limited-production masterpiece. Bertone plans to produce a mere 25 examples of this extraordinary vehicle, each commanding a price point that reflects its exclusivity and bespoke craftsmanship, starting at approximately $464,000 (€390,000). At its core, the modern Runabout leverages the formidable chassis and powertrain of the Lotus Exige. However, these are not merely repurposed components; they are virgin pieces, meticulously integrated into the Runabout’s unique architecture. The all-aluminum chassis forms the foundation, to which the distinctive Runabout body is bonded, augmented by additional extruded aluminum elements to create a cohesive and structurally sound vehicle.
Under the hood, the Bertone Runabout roars to life with a potent, supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, directly sourced from Toyota. This powerplant has been artfully integrated, featuring a custom exhaust system that not only enhances its auditory character but also allows it to produce an impressive 475 horsepower. Each of the 25 units will be granted a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), underscoring their individual pedigrees and road-legal status. This commitment to authenticity and individualization is a hallmark of the Bertone Runabout project.
Nods to the Past, Built for the Future
While the distinctive, fender-mounted headlights of the original Autobianchi Runabout might face regulatory hurdles in modern times, the spirit of that design is brilliantly reinterpreted in the new Bertone Runabout. The modern iteration embraces the iconic pop-up headlight design, a direct and celebrated nod to the Fiat X1/9 and a universally recognized symbol of sporty automotive aesthetics. Owners will also have the unparalleled opportunity to personalize their Runabouts extensively. The choice between a purely open barchetta configuration, mirroring the original concept’s liberated form, or a sophisticated targa top, reminiscent of the X1/9’s versatility, offers a crucial element of customization. Furthermore, Bertone provides an extensive palette of materials, colors, textures, and finishes, ensuring that each Bertone Runabout is a unique reflection of its owner’s taste and personality. This level of bespoke tailoring is a key differentiator in the luxury sports car market.
The interior of the Bertone Runabout is a masterclass in functional art. The two-seater cockpit features a dashboard designed to evoke the deck of a yacht, complete with a functional compass positioned centrally – a subtle yet charming callback to the original concept’s nautical inspirations. The gated six-speed manual shifter is a tactile delight, showcasing exposed mechanicals that speak to the purity of the driving experience and the mechanical artistry involved. For enthusiasts of manual transmission sports cars, this feature is a significant draw.
Performance Prowess and Driving Dynamics
The heart of the Bertone Runabout’s performance lies in its supercharged Toyota V-6. This engine benefits from an Eaton/Edelbrock TVS supercharger system, complete with an integrated charge-air cooler for optimized performance. In a configuration akin to the now-discontinued Lotus Exige, the engine is mounted transversely, driving power to the rear wheels. The setup propels the Runabout with formidable force, with 19-inch forged aluminum wheels at the rear and 18-inch counterparts at the front. Bertone’s performance estimates suggest the Bertone Runabout can achieve a brisk 0–60 mph sprint in approximately 4.0 seconds, with a top speed reaching a thrilling 168 mph. These figures place it squarely in the realm of serious performance machines, offering an exhilarating ride for discerning drivers. The emphasis on performance tuning and automotive engineering is evident in every aspect of the Runabout’s construction.
While Bertone has not yet announced a definitive production timeline for the Bertone Runabout, nor confirmed which of the 25 units might be destined for the United States market, early sightings are generating considerable excitement. The modern Bertone Runabout is slated for a public debut at the 2026 Retromobile auto show, held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from January 29th to February 1st. Enthusiasts will have the opportunity to admire this stunning creation on display at the Ultimate Supercar Garage, alongside the Bertone GB110 and the original 1969 Autobianchi concept. This exhibition will undoubtedly draw significant attention from collectors and aficionados of exclusive sports cars and Italian automotive design.
The Future of Bespoke Automotive Experiences
The Bertone Runabout represents more than just a car; it’s a statement of intent from a revived marque, a testament to enduring design principles, and a commitment to creating truly special vehicles. For those who appreciate the fusion of historical significance, cutting-edge engineering, and unparalleled personalization, the Bertone Runabout offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive artistry. This limited-edition marvel is poised to become a coveted collector’s item, celebrating the legacy of Bertone and the thrill of open-top, performance-driven motoring.
Are you captivated by the blend of retro allure and modern performance? To learn more about the Bertone Runabout and to explore how you might secure your place among the exclusive owners of this automotive masterpiece, we invite you to connect with our dedicated concierge service. Let us guide you through the process of owning a piece of automotive history.
