The Reimagined Bertone Runabout: A Fusion of Heritage, Performance, and Bespoke Luxury
For enthusiasts who appreciate automotive artistry with a pedigree, the name Bertone resonates deeply. A titan amon
g Italian design houses, Bertone has a storied legacy of penning some of the most iconic and audacious vehicles to ever grace our roads. While many associate this era of automotive flair with legends like Pininfarina, Bertone consistently carved its own path, delivering designs that were as bold as they were beautiful. Now, a decade after navigating a period of significant corporate restructuring, the revived Bertone brand is making a triumphant return to the limited-production sports car arena with its second exclusive offering: the Bertone Runabout. This striking machine is far more than a nostalgic callback; it’s a meticulously crafted modern interpretation of a 1969 concept, infused with contemporary engineering prowess and the unmistakable charm of pop-up headlights, all built upon a formidable Lotus Exige foundation.
Tracing its lineage back to a visionary concept unveiled at the 1969 Turin Auto Show, the original Bertone Runabout for Autobianchi was a revolutionary vision for its time. Envisioned as a mid-engine barchetta, it eschewed conventional design tropes, opting instead for a distinctive wedge-shaped silhouette that hinted at nautical influences. Its two-tone paint scheme and a daring rear rollover bar, ingeniously housing the vehicle’s headlights, were hallmarks of its avant-garde spirit. The impact of this design was profound. So compelling was its aesthetic and functional integration that Fiat adopted its core principles, using it as the genesis for the mid-engine Fiat X1/9. This beloved sports car enjoyed a successful production run from 1972 to 1982 under the Fiat banner, and subsequently continued as the Bertone X1/9 until 1989, cementing its place in automotive history.
Today, Bertone is not just teasing us with a concept; they are bringing the modern Bertone Runabout to life as a strictly limited production vehicle. With plans to produce just 25 units, this bespoke supercar is positioned as an ultra-exclusive collectible. The starting price, equivalent to approximately $464,000 USD (€390,000), underscores its bespoke nature and the significant engineering investment involved. Underpinning this automotive masterpiece are the acclaimed chassis and powertrains sourced from the Lotus Exige. However, these are not merely repurposed components. Bertone meticulously procures brand-new, “virgin” all-aluminum Exige chassis – pieces that have never been integrated into a production vehicle. To this robust foundation, the distinctive Runabout bodywork is expertly bonded, augmented by additional extruded aluminum architecture to achieve the desired structure and form. This meticulous approach ensures an uncompromised platform for a truly unique creation.
The heart of the modern Bertone Runabout is a potent, supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, directly sourced from Toyota’s formidable lineup. This powerplant has been further enhanced with a custom exhaust system, unleashing an exhilarating output of up to 475 horsepower. Crucially, each of the 25 Bertone Runabouts will be homologated for road use, each receiving its own unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a testament to its individualistic and street-legal status. While the original Autobianchi concept’s unique, non-retractable headlights might face modern regulatory hurdles and are unlikely to be replicated due to their impracticality and potential safety concerns for road use, the modern Runabout pays homage to its predecessor’s playful spirit. It embraces the era-defining aesthetic of pop-up headlights, a beloved feature that instantly evokes memories of the iconic Fiat X1/9.
The Runabout’s design flexibility is a key selling point for discerning buyers. It can be configured in its purest form as an open barchetta, mirroring the liberating essence of the original concept. Alternatively, it offers the option of a targa top, reminiscent of the beloved X1/9, providing an engaging open-air driving experience with added structural integrity. Beyond these structural choices, Bertone extends an unparalleled level of customization to its clientele. Owners will have the freedom to meticulously spec their Runabout with an extensive array of materials, colors, textures, and finishes, ensuring that each of the 25 vehicles is a unique expression of its owner’s personal taste and vision. This commitment to bespoke tailoring elevates the Runabout from a mere automobile to a highly personalized work of art on wheels.
Stepping inside the two-seater cockpit of the Bertone Runabout is an experience in refined craftsmanship and driver-centric design. The dashboard itself presents a unique aesthetic, featuring a design reminiscent of nautical decking, a subtle nod to the original concept’s inspirations. Centrally integrated into this striking dashboard is a functional compass, a charming detail that reinforces the Runabout’s adventurous spirit. The tactile sensation of the gated six-speed manual shifter is a focal point for driving purists, with its exposed mechanical linkages offering a visual and mechanical connection to the car’s performance heart. This is an interior designed not just for comfort, but for engagement, where every element serves a purpose and contributes to the overall driving narrative.
The supercharged Toyota V-6, a marvel of forced induction engineering, utilizes an Eaton/Edelbrock TVS supercharger system, complete with an integrated charge-air cooler. This setup ensures optimal performance and responsiveness under all driving conditions. In a characteristic move, and echoing the layout of the now-discontinued Exige, the engine is mounted transversely. This configuration allows for efficient packaging and contributes to the car’s balanced weight distribution, driving power to the rear wheels via substantial 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Up front, the vehicle rolls on slightly smaller, but equally robust, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels. Bertone’s performance projections are impressive, estimating the Runabout will achieve a brisk 0–60 mph acceleration in approximately 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. These figures position the Runabout firmly within the realm of high-performance sports cars, capable of exhilarating sprints and thrilling open-road cruising.
While Bertone has not yet announced a definitive production timeline or confirmed specific import plans for the United States, anticipation is building. Enthusiasts eager to witness this automotive marvel firsthand will have an opportunity to see the modern Bertone Runabout on display at the prestigious 2026 Retromobile auto show, held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from January 29th to February 1st. The Runabout will be showcased alongside other significant Bertone creations, including the Bertone GB110 and, intriguingly, the original 1969 Autobianchi concept, offering a direct comparison and a compelling narrative of automotive evolution. This exhibition promises to be a pilgrimage for vintage and modern automotive aficionados alike, a chance to appreciate the enduring legacy and innovative spirit of Bertone.
For those captivated by the blend of automotive heritage, cutting-edge performance, and unparalleled bespoke luxury that the Bertone Runabout represents, the opportunity to own a piece of this exclusive automotive renaissance is within reach. Exploring the full customization options and securing a place among the exclusive 25 owners is the next logical step for the discerning collector and enthusiast.
