Bertone Runabout: A Modern Masterpiece Reimagines Automotive Nostalgia with Exquisite Engineering
For enthusiasts of automotive history and cutting-edge performance, the return of a legendary nameplate
like Bertone ignites a unique sense of excitement. A decade after navigating a challenging period and emerging from bankruptcy, the storied Italian design house is not just back; it’s making a definitive statement with its second limited-edition offering: the Bertone Runabout. This striking sports car pays homage to its 1969 progenitor while embracing contemporary engineering, creating a potent blend of retro charm and exhilarating dynamism. As an industry expert with a decade immersed in the world of high-performance vehicles and automotive design, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of passion projects into tangible realities. The Bertone Runabout is precisely such a reality, a meticulously crafted machine that appeals to both the heart and the discerning intellect of the true car aficionado.
The genesis of the Bertone Runabout lies in a period when Italian flair for automotive design was reaching its zenith. While firms like Pininfarina often commanded the spotlight for their breathtaking concepts and production models, Bertone possessed an equally potent ability to captivate and surprise. The original Runabout concept, unveiled at the 1969 Turin Auto Show, was a bold declaration of intent. Designed for Autobianchi, it envisioned a mid-engine barchetta – a purist’s open-top sports car. Its propulsion came from the engine of an Autobianchi A111 sedan, paired with a four-speed transmission, demonstrating an ingenious use of existing components. The nautical influences were evident in its wedge-shaped silhouette, a sophisticated two-tone paint scheme, and a distinctive rear rollover bar that cradled the headlights. This audacious design proved so compelling that Fiat adopted its core principles, using it as the foundation for the iconic X1/9. This mid-engine sports car, a darling of the era, graced roads as a Fiat from 1972 to 1982 and continued its legacy under the Bertone banner from 1982 to 1989.
Fast forward to 2025, and the modern iteration of the Bertone Runabout emerges not as a mere concept, but as a strictly limited production vehicle, a testament to the enduring appeal of visionary automotive design. Bertone has committed to producing just 25 units of this extraordinary machine, with prices commencing at the equivalent of $464,000 (or €390,000). The engineering prowess underpinning this revival is as sophisticated as its aesthetics. Bertone has masterfully integrated the chassis and powertrain of the celebrated Lotus Exige, but with a crucial distinction: these are not repurposed components. Instead, Bertone sources brand-new, “virgin” all-aluminum chassis – units that have never been part of a completed vehicle. Onto these pristine foundations, the bespoke Runabout body is meticulously bonded, augmented by additional extruded aluminum architecture to create a structure that is both lightweight and incredibly rigid. This approach ensures a level of bespoke quality rarely seen in modern automotive production, allowing for a vehicle that feels uniquely engineered from the ground up.
At the heart of this reborn icon beats a supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, directly sourced from Toyota’s formidable powertrain offerings. This powerplant has been further refined with a custom exhaust system, liberating an impressive output of up to 475 horsepower. The result is a car that not only looks the part but possesses the ferocity to match its heritage. Each of the 25 Bertone Runabouts will be bestowed with a unique VIN, underscoring their exclusivity and setting them apart as individual works of art on wheels, ready to be classified for road use.
While the original Autobianchi Runabout’s unique, fixed headlight pods might have been a stylistic flourish ahead of their time and potentially challenging for modern regulatory approval, the contemporary version cleverly channels that retro spirit. It adopts the much-loved pop-up headlight design, a direct nod to the beloved Fiat X1/9, adding a dynamic visual element that further enhances its nostalgic allure. In true barchetta fashion, the Runabout offers a purely open-air experience, mirroring the concept car’s unadulterated connection to the road. Alternatively, owners can opt for a targa top configuration, providing a more versatile driving experience akin to its X1/9 predecessor. This commitment to personalization extends to the interior and exterior appointments. Buyers will have the freedom to meticulously specify their Runabout, selecting from an extensive array of materials, opulent color palettes, tactile textures, and exquisite finishes, ensuring that each vehicle is a unique reflection of its owner’s taste. This level of bespoke customization is a hallmark of true automotive luxury, offering a level of individual expression that transcends mass-produced vehicles.
Stepping inside the two-seater cabin of the Bertone Runabout is an immersion into a world where form and function coalesce harmoniously. The dashboard design evokes a sophisticated decking aesthetic, reminiscent of high-end yachts, a subtle yet elegant continuation of the car’s nautical inspirations. Positioned prominently at the center is a functional compass, a charming and practical detail that further enhances the car’s unique character. The driver’s interface is equally captivating, featuring a classic gated six-speed manual shifter. The exposed mechanicals of the shifter not only add a visceral, mechanical feel but also serve as a constant reminder of the pure, unadulterated driving engagement the Runabout promises. This is a car designed for those who relish the tactile connection with their machine, a stark contrast to the increasingly digitized and isolated driving experiences of many modern vehicles.
The potent Toyota V-6 engine’s forced induction is managed by an Eaton/Edelbrock TVS supercharger system, complete with an integrated charge-air cooler to ensure optimal performance under all conditions. Consistent with the now-discontinued Exige, the engine is mounted transversely, driving the rear wheels. These are colossal 19-inch forged aluminum rear wheels, shod with performance tires, hinting at the car’s dynamic capabilities. Up front, the wheel diameter steps down slightly to 18 inches, contributing to a balanced stance and agile handling. Bertone’s performance projections for the Runabout are nothing short of thrilling: an estimated 0–60 mph time of just 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. These figures position the Bertone Runabout firmly within the realm of elite sports cars, capable of delivering exhilarating performance on both road and track. For those seeking to experience the pinnacle of performance car engineering, the Bertone Runabout represents a compelling proposition.
The prospect of seeing the Bertone Runabout in the metal is an exciting one for automotive enthusiasts worldwide. While Bertone has not yet announced a definitive production timeline or confirmed if any of the 25 exclusive units will be officially imported to the United States, anticipation is high. A prime opportunity to witness this automotive marvel firsthand will be at the prestigious 2026 Retromobile auto show, held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from January 29th to February 1st. Here, the modern Bertone Runabout will be displayed at the Ultimate Supercar Garage, sharing the spotlight with the innovative Bertone GB110 and, crucially, the original 1969 Autobianchi concept that started it all. This curated display offers a unique opportunity to trace the lineage and evolution of Bertone’s design philosophy, showcasing the enduring power of visionary automotive artistry.
For those drawn to the allure of exclusive, high-performance Italian sports cars, the Bertone Runabout is more than just a vehicle; it’s a piece of automotive history reimagined for the modern era. Its blend of retro aesthetics, cutting-edge engineering, and bespoke craftsmanship positions it as a highly coveted collector’s item. If you are in the market for a limited edition supercar that offers unparalleled style and driving engagement, exploring the possibilities with Bertone luxury cars or seeking out vintage Bertone models for sale could lead you to a truly extraordinary acquisition. This is your moment to connect with a legacy and own a piece of the future, meticulously crafted from the past. Discover how you can become part of the exclusive Bertone legacy.
