Bertone Runabout: A Modern Masterpiece Resurrecting Automotive Iconography
For enthusiasts who yearn for a bygone era of automotive artistry, where passion and pioneering design converged, the resurgence
of iconic names carries a profound significance. In the landscape of automotive design, while names like Pininfarina have historically dominated the conversation around avant-garde concepts and production marvels, the legacy of Bertone is equally, if not more, captivating. Now, a decade after navigating financial turbulence, the resuscitated Italian design house is unveiling its second limited-edition creation: the Bertone Runabout. This isn’t merely a nostalgic nod; it’s a meticulously crafted sports car that pays homage to a legendary Bertone design from 1969, re-imagined for the contemporary road with the evocative flair of pop-up headlights and the robust engineering of Lotus.
The genesis of the original Runabout concept dates back to the 1969 Turin Auto Show, commissioned by Autobianchi. It was conceived as a mid-engine barchetta, a purist’s dream, powered by the engine from an Autobianchi A111 sedan, mated to a four-speed transmission. Its design was heavily influenced by nautical aesthetics, featuring a striking wedge-shaped body, a sophisticated two-tone paint scheme, and a distinctive rear rollover bar that ingeniously housed the headlights. This design proved so influential that Fiat adopted it as the foundational blueprint for the X1/9, a mid-engine sports car that graced showrooms from 1972 to 1982 under the Fiat banner, and subsequently as a Bertone from 1982 to 1989. The allure of these classic designs, particularly the Fiat X1/9, continues to captivate collectors, making the prospect of a modern interpretation a highly sought-after development within the collector car market and among vintage sports car enthusiasts.
This contemporary iteration of the Bertone Runabout transcends the realm of mere concept. Bertone has committed to producing a strictly limited run of 25 units, with pricing commencing at the equivalent of $464,000 (€390,000). This exclusivity underscores the bespoke nature of the vehicle. The core of the Runabout’s mechanical prowess lies in its chassis and powertrain, sourced directly from the Lotus Exige. However, these components are not merely transplanted; they are integrated into a new architectural framework. The all-aluminum chassis are procured as pristine, unused units, onto which the custom Runabout body is bonded. This intricate process is further augmented by additional extruded aluminum architecture, ensuring both structural integrity and a lightweight profile, crucial for high-performance sports car engineering.
The heart of this modern marvel is a supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, sourced from Toyota. This potent powerplant, further enhanced by a custom exhaust system, delivers an impressive output of up to 475 horsepower. Each of the 25 Bertone Runabouts produced will be assigned a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), signifying its individual road-legal status and its place within this exclusive series. The inclusion of a Toyota engine in a high-performance European sports car is a testament to modern automotive manufacturing, highlighting the global collaboration and advanced supply chains that define today’s automotive industry, especially for niche manufacturers seeking proven, reliable, and powerful engines. This strategic sourcing allows for a focus on design and craftsmanship, while leveraging the expertise of established powertrain manufacturers.
While the overt, high-mounted headlights of the original Autobianchi Runabout – likely to be deemed non-compliant with contemporary safety regulations – are absent, the modern version ingeniously recaptures that iconic spirit with classic pop-up headlights, a feature that instantly evokes the beloved Fiat X1/9. The Runabout offers a duality in its form: it can be specified as a pure, open barchetta, mirroring the original concept’s unadulterated open-air experience, or it can be configured with a Targa top, a configuration that further solidifies its connection to the X1/9 lineage. Moreover, Bertone offers an unparalleled degree of personalization, allowing owners to meticulously tailor their Runabout with an extensive selection of materials, color palettes, textures, and finishes, ensuring each vehicle is a unique reflection of its owner’s taste. This level of customization is a hallmark of ultra-luxury and bespoke automotive manufacturing, appealing to discerning buyers who seek exclusivity.
The interior of the two-seater cockpit is a symphony of thoughtful design and functional elegance. The dashboard adopts a distinctive decking-like aesthetic, an evocative nautical touch that complements the car’s name and heritage. A functional compass is strategically placed at the center of the dashboard, serving as both a unique design element and a nod to the maritime inspiration. The gated six-speed manual shifter, a rare and cherished feature in today’s automated world, proudly showcases its exposed mechanicals, a visual testament to the raw, engaging driving experience. The tactile feedback and precise engagement offered by a manual transmission are increasingly valued by driving purists, and its presence in the Runabout is a significant draw for enthusiasts. The commitment to a manual gearbox further distinguishes this vehicle in the current market, appealing to a demographic that prioritizes driver involvement.
The Toyota V-6 engine’s forced induction system is a sophisticated assembly, featuring an Eaton/Edelbrock TVS supercharger system integrated with a charge-air cooler. This high-performance setup ensures optimal power delivery and efficiency. Much like the now-discontinued Lotus Exige, the engine is mounted transversely, driving power to the rear wheels. The Runabout rides on 19-inch forged aluminum rear wheels, complemented by 18-inchers at the front, a staggered setup contributing to its aggressive stance and dynamic capabilities. Bertone projects that the Runabout will achieve a blistering 0–60 mph time of approximately 4.0 seconds, with a top speed reaching 168 mph. These performance figures position the Bertone Runabout squarely within the elite tier of contemporary sports cars, offering a thrilling driving experience that belies its retro-inspired aesthetic. The blend of historical design and modern performance metrics is a key selling point for enthusiasts looking for both style and substance.
Bertone has not yet announced a definitive production timeline for the Runabout, nor have they confirmed plans for importing any of the 25 units into the United States. However, the modern Bertone Runabout is slated for a public debut at the prestigious 2026 Retromobile auto show, held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from January 29th to February 1st. Attendees will have the opportunity to view this automotive masterpiece on display at the Ultimate Supercar Garage, alongside the Bertone GB110 and the original 1969 Autobianchi concept. This debut is a pivotal moment, offering the world a firsthand glimpse of Bertone’s revitalized vision and its commitment to crafting exceptional, exclusive automobiles. For collectors and enthusiasts in the US sports car market, and particularly those interested in Italian sports cars for sale or limited edition sports cars, the Runabout represents a compelling proposition. The prospect of acquiring such a rare and historically significant vehicle sparks considerable interest, especially among collectors seeking classic sports car restoration projects or contemporary vehicles that capture the essence of automotive history. The Bertone Runabout price indicates its exclusive positioning, targeting a clientele that values rarity, design heritage, and high-performance engineering. Those looking for performance car financing or considering bespoke car builds will find the Runabout a fascinating case study in modern automotive craftsmanship. The Bertone revival narrative adds an extra layer of appeal for those who follow the automotive industry’s evolution and the comeback stories of legendary marques.
In a market increasingly saturated with mass-produced vehicles, the Bertone Runabout stands as a beacon of individuality, craftsmanship, and enduring automotive passion. It’s more than just a car; it’s a rolling piece of art, a bridge between past and present, engineered for those who appreciate the soul of motoring.
If you are captivated by this fusion of retro charm and modern performance, and the idea of owning a piece of automotive history realized for the 21st century, now is the time to explore your options. Engage with the world of bespoke automotive creations and discover how you can be part of the legacy.
