Bertone Runabout: A Modern Homage to Italian Automotive Artistry with a Supercharged Soul
For decades, the hallowed halls of automotive design have been dominated by names like Pininfarina, synonymous w
ith breathtaking concepts and elegant production cars. Yet, nestled within this pantheon of Italian styling houses, Bertone has always possessed a unique flair for the dramatic, an audacious spirit that dared to push boundaries. Now, a decade after navigating the turbulent waters of bankruptcy and emerging revitalized, the legendary Bertone brand is once again igniting the automotive world with its second limited-edition marvel: the Bertone Runabout. This exquisite sports car is not merely a fleeting concept; it is a tangible, road-legal testament to an iconic Bertone design from 1969, meticulously reimagined for the modern era, complete with the charm of pop-up headlights and the sophisticated underpinnings of a Lotus Exige, all powered by a potent Toyota V6 engine.
The genesis of the original Runabout concept can be traced back to the 1969 Turin Auto Show, a visionary creation for Autobianchi. It was conceived as a mid-engine barchetta, a minimalist open-top sports car, powered by a humble Autobianchi A111 sedan engine coupled with a four-speed transmission. Its design was deeply influenced by nautical aesthetics, featuring a striking wedge-shaped body, a sophisticated two-tone paint scheme, and a distinctive rear rollover hoop from which the headlights seemed to emerge. This groundbreaking design resonated so powerfully that Fiat later adopted its essence as the foundation for the Fiat X1/9, a mid-engine sports car that graced roads from 1972 to 1982 under the Fiat banner, and subsequently continued its legacy as a Bertone from 1982 to 1989.
Fast forward to today, and the contemporary interpretation of the Bertone Runabout transcends mere homage. This is a fully realized, limited-production vehicle, with Bertone meticulously crafting just 25 units, each poised to command a price equivalent to approximately $464,000 (€390,000). The engineering heart of this automotive sculpture beats with the rhythm of a Lotus Exige. However, Bertone has approached its integration with a craftsman’s precision. Rather than simply repurposing existing chassis, Bertone procures pristine, unused Lotus Exige all-aluminum chassis. These virgin platforms then serve as the robust foundation to which the bespoke Runabout body is meticulously bonded, augmented by additional extruded aluminum architecture, ensuring both structural integrity and a lightweight, agile platform.
The powerhouse behind this retro-futuristic marvel is a supercharged 3.5-liter V-6, sourced directly from Toyota’s esteemed engine portfolio. This formidable powerplant, enhanced with a custom exhaust system, unleashes an impressive output of up to 475 horsepower. Each of the 25 Bertone Runabout examples will be individually classified for road use, bearing a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), underscoring the exclusivity and bespoke nature of this automotive endeavor. For enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of modern sports car performance infused with timeless Italian design, the Bertone Runabout price reflects its rarity and engineering sophistication.
While the overtly integrated headlights of the original Autobianchi Runabout, which might now face regulatory hurdles, are absent, the modern iteration cleverly recaptures their spirit with a nod to the beloved Fiat X1/9: charismatic pop-up headlights. This thoughtful detail not only pays homage to its predecessors but also adds an undeniable element of retro charm. The Bertone Runabout offers a choice in its open-air experience, available as a pure barchetta, mirroring the minimalist ethos of the original concept, or as a targa top, evoking the classic silhouette of the X1/9. Furthermore, Bertone extends a high degree of personalization to its discerning clientele, allowing owners to meticulously spec their Bertone Runabout with a curated selection of materials, colors, textures, and finishes, ensuring that each vehicle is a unique expression of its owner’s taste. When considering Bertone Runabout for sale, prospective buyers can anticipate an exceptional level of customization.
Stepping inside the two-seater cockpit of the Bertone Runabout is an immersion into a world of tactile and visual delight. The dashboard design artfully mimics the aesthetic of nautical decking, imbuing the interior with a sense of adventure and precision. At its heart resides a functional compass, a charming and unexpected touch that further reinforces the car’s maritime inspiration. The tactile sensation of the gated six-speed manual shifter, with its exposed mechanical linkages, provides a visceral connection to the driving experience, a welcome departure from the sterile, electronic interfaces prevalent in many contemporary vehicles. This commitment to driver engagement is a cornerstone of the Bertone Runabout experience.
The Toyota V-6 engine’s formidable power is delivered through an Eaton/Edelbrock TVS supercharger system, complete with an integrated charge-air cooler, ensuring optimal performance under all conditions. In a configuration reminiscent of the now-discontinued Exige, the engine is mounted transversely, channeling its energy to the rear wheels, which are clad in striking 19-inch forged aluminum units. The front wheels, equally impressive, measure 18 inches. Bertone’s performance projections for the Bertone Runabout are compelling: an estimated 0–60 mph acceleration time of just 4.0 seconds, culminating in a top speed of 168 mph. These figures place the Bertone Runabout firmly in the realm of serious performance machines.
While Bertone has yet to formally announce a production timeline for the Bertone Runabout, or confirm specific import plans for markets such as the United States, the anticipation is palpable. Enthusiasts will have the opportunity to witness this automotive masterpiece firsthand at the prestigious 2026 Retromobile auto show, held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from January 29th to February 1st. The Bertone Runabout will be a star attraction within the Ultimate Supercar Garage exhibit, sharing the spotlight with the innovative Bertone GB110 and, poignantly, the original 1969 Autobianchi concept that started it all. This gathering represents a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to witness the evolution of a design icon. For those captivated by the allure of the Bertone Runabout USA interest is high, and information regarding availability will undoubtedly emerge.
The resurgence of Bertone is a significant event in the automotive landscape, signaling a return of audacious design and passionate craftsmanship. The Bertone Runabout embodies this spirit, offering a rare blend of retro charm, modern performance, and Italian exclusivity. It’s a car that doesn’t just carry you from point A to point B; it tells a story, a narrative of automotive history, design innovation, and enduring passion. This limited-production masterpiece is more than just a car; it’s an investment in automotive art and a testament to what can be achieved when heritage meets contemporary engineering prowess.
If the thought of owning a piece of automotive history, reimagined with exhilarating performance and bespoke craftsmanship, stirs your soul, the Bertone Runabout presents an unparalleled opportunity. This is not just another supercar; it’s a rolling sculpture, a celebration of an era, and a glimpse into the future of exclusive automotive creation. Explore the legacy, experience the thrill, and consider making this exceptional Bertone Runabout yours.
