Bertone has resurrected a radical vision from the past: the Runabout, a high-performance, open-top vehicle first conceptualized in 1969. Unlike many retro revivals, this isn’t a restoration, but a ground-up recreation with a modern twist. The Runabout blends classic Italian design with cutting-edge engineering, resulting in a machine that’s both nostalgic and aggressively contemporary.
The Genesis of an Icon
The original Autobianchi A112 Runabout was penned by Marcello Gandini – the same designer behind automotive legends like the Lamborghini Miura and Lancia Stratos. Presented in 1969, it was a bold, low-slung concept car that heavily influenced Fiat’s X1/9 sports car. The new Runabout isn’t merely an homage; it’s a faithful interpretation of Gandini’s original vision, but built from the ground up with all-new components. Each of the 25 planned vehicles will receive a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), cementing its status as a factory-fresh creation.
Performance Engineered for Thrills
Under the sleek carbon-fiber body lies a lightweight, bonded aluminum chassis and a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 469 horsepower and 490 Nm of torque. Coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox, this setup delivers rear-wheel drive performance with a 0-62 mph acceleration time of just 4.1 seconds. That’s faster than the Lotus Emira, a vehicle sharing the same engine and transmission, yet the Runabout weighs in at just over 1,000 kg. This power-to-weight ratio ensures an exhilarating driving experience.
Design Details That Demand Attention
The Runabout retains the distinctive wedge-shaped silhouette of the original, modernized with aerodynamic enhancements like an S-duct inspired by the Ferrari 296. Pop-up headlights and wheel arches molded around forged aluminum wheels pay homage to the 1969 concept. The car is offered in two configurations: a Targa with removable roof panels for open-air driving, and a Barchetta, a true roofless speedster echoing the original’s extreme design.
A Spirit Reinterpreted
Andrea Mocellin, the lead designer, emphasizes that the goal wasn’t to simply copy the past. “Rather than treating history as a set of shapes to copy, we approached it as a set of values to reinterpret.” The Runabout aims to capture the audacity, experimental spirit, and simplicity of the original.
The interior reflects this ethos with a minimalist design: few buttons, a slim digital display, and precision-machined aluminum accents combined with premium leather. Exposed shifter linkage and a marine compass on the dashboard add unique character.
Exclusivity Comes at a Price
Each Bertone Runabout will cost upwards of £400,000, and customers can collaborate with Bertone’s Centro Stile design team to personalize their vehicle. The car will debut at Rétromobile 2026 in Paris, France.
The Runabout isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. It represents a rare convergence of historical reverence, modern engineering, and bespoke luxury. This is a machine for those who prioritize exclusivity, performance, and a connection to automotive history.
