The Bertone Runabout: A Modern Masterpiece Reviving an Italian Icon with a Touch of Lotus Excellence and Toyota Power
As a seasoned observer of the automotive landscape, with a decade spent navigating the
intricate world of performance vehicles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the ebb and flow of design philosophies and engineering prowess. Few names resonate with the historical gravitas and avant-garde spirit of Bertone. While the firm’s journey has seen its share of challenges, its recent resurgence is a testament to enduring legacy and a bold vision for the future. The latest manifestation of this revitalized spirit is the Bertone Runabout, a limited-edition sports car that masterfully blends retro aesthetics with cutting-edge underpinnings, a compelling narrative for any Italian sports car enthusiast and luxury automotive collector.
The automotive world often remembers giants like Pininfarina for their sculpted masterpieces. However, Bertone, the renowned Italian design house, has always possessed an equally audacious and imaginative flair. Now, ten years removed from a period of significant financial restructuring, the revived Bertone brand is making a powerful statement with its second limited-production vehicle: the Runabout. This isn’t merely a rehash of a bygone era; it’s a thoughtful reimagining, a sports car that draws its DNA from an iconic Bertone concept first unveiled in 1969, but meticulously modernized for the discerning driver of today. Its most striking contemporary feature? A captivating set of pop-up headlights, a nod to a cherished automotive era and a characteristic that immediately sets it apart in the modern sports car market.
To truly appreciate the significance of the new Bertone Runabout, we must delve into its lineage. The original Runabout concept, a visionary design presented at the 1969 Turin Auto Show for Autobianchi, was conceived as a mid-engine barchetta. Its heart was the engine from an Autobianchi A111 sedan, paired with a four-speed transmission. The design itself was a harmonious marriage of automotive engineering and nautical inspiration. Its wedge-shaped silhouette, the distinctive two-tone paint scheme, and a rear rollover bar that ingeniously integrated the headlights all spoke of a bold, forward-thinking approach. This groundbreaking design proved so influential that Fiat adopted its fundamental principles, laying the groundwork for the X1/9, a mid-engine sports car that graced public roads under the Fiat banner from 1972 to 1982, and later, as a Bertone from 1982 to 1989. The legacy of that original concept is palpable in the Bertone Runabout’s contemporary iteration.
This modern rendition of the Bertone Runabout transcends the ephemeral nature of a concept car. Bertone has confirmed production of a mere 25 units, each carrying a price tag equivalent to approximately $464,000 USD (€390,000). What makes this exclusive offering particularly intriguing from an engineering standpoint is its sophisticated foundation. The chassis and powertrain are derived directly from the celebrated Lotus Exige, but they are not simply transplanted. Instead, Bertone procures pristine, unused (virgin) all-aluminum chassis from Lotus. These unblemished structures then serve as the canvas onto which the Runabout’s bespoke body is meticulously bonded, complemented by additional extruded aluminum architecture for enhanced rigidity and bespoke integration. This strategic sourcing allows for the fusion of British engineering excellence with Italian design artistry, creating a truly unique limited edition sports car.
At the core of the Runabout’s performance lies a potent, supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a direct and formidable offering from Toyota. This powerplant has been thoughtfully refined with a custom exhaust system, enabling it to unleash an impressive up to 475 horsepower. Crucially, each of the 25 Bertone Runabouts will be officially classified for road use, receiving a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for every meticulously crafted example. This attention to detail underscores Bertone’s commitment to creating road-legal works of art, rather than mere automotive curiosities, making it a significant entry in the high-performance vehicle market.
While the original Autobianchi Runabout’s distinctive, fixed headlights might not be present – likely due to modern regulatory hurdles – the modern Bertone Runabout pays homage to its heritage with the evocative charm of pop-up headlights, a design cue directly inspired by the beloved Fiat X1/9. This thoughtful inclusion enhances the car’s retro appeal without compromising its modern compliance. Furthermore, the Runabout offers a degree of personalization that truly caters to the individual owner. It can be configured as a pure, open barchetta, mirroring the spirit of the original concept, or as a more versatile targa top, akin to the X1/9. Owners will have the privilege of specifying a vast array of materials, colors, textures, and finishes, ensuring that each Bertone Runabout is a unique expression of its owner’s taste, catering to the bespoke car segment.
Stepping inside the two-seater cabin is an immersive experience that continues the theme of refined craftsmanship and nostalgic charm. The dashboard design evokes the feeling of a ship’s deck, a subtle nod to the nautical inspirations of the original. Centrally positioned, a functional compass adds a touch of adventurous spirit, a unique detail for any classic car interior revival. The gated six-speed manual shifter, a purist’s delight, proudly showcases its exposed mechanicals, a visual testament to the mechanical artistry at play and a feature highly sought after by enthusiast car buyers.
The Toyota V-6’s formidable power delivery is augmented by an Eaton/Edelbrock TVS supercharger system, complete with an integrated charge-air cooler. This sophisticated forced induction setup ensures exhilarating performance. Echoing the now-discontinued Exige, the engine is mounted transversely, driving the rear wheels through a robust drivetrain. The rear wheels are substantial 19-inch forged aluminum units, complemented by 18-inch counterparts at the front. Bertone’s performance projections for the Runabout are ambitious: an estimated 0–60 mph acceleration time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph, placing it firmly within the realm of exotic sports car performance. This blend of heritage, design, and modern performance makes the Bertone Runabout for sale a highly anticipated vehicle.
Bertone has not yet announced a precise production timeline for the Runabout, nor have they confirmed which of the 25 units, if any, will be officially imported to the United States, a crucial detail for US sports car imports. Enthusiasts eager to witness this automotive marvel firsthand will have the opportunity to see the modern Bertone Runabout at the prestigious 2026 Retromobile auto show, held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from January 29th to February 1st. It will be displayed within the exclusive Ultimate Supercar Garage, sharing the spotlight with the also-impressive Bertone GB110 and, significantly, the original 1969 Autobianchi concept that started it all. This exhibition promises to be a pilgrimage for automotive design history aficionados and a significant event in the luxury car market trends of 2025 and beyond.
For those captivated by the revival of iconic automotive design, the fusion of Italian flair with renowned engineering, and the allure of a truly exclusive machine, the Bertone Runabout represents a singular opportunity. It’s more than just a car; it’s a piece of automotive art, a tribute to a legendary design house, and a powerful statement of intent for Bertone’s future.
If you are a car collector seeking an unparalleled addition to your portfolio, or an automotive enthusiast yearning for a driving experience that transcends the ordinary, now is the time to explore your options. Reach out to authorized Bertone representatives or specialist dealers to understand the acquisition process and to express your interest in owning a piece of this remarkable automotive renaissance. The Bertone Runabout price reflects its exclusivity and engineering, offering a rare chance to acquire a significant chapter in automotive history. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary journey.
