- Bertone reveals Runabout, a revival of its 1969 concept car.
- Limited to 25 units, with pricing from $460,000 before tax.
- Lotus chassis, supercharged V6 engine, and manual gearbox.
Even with today’s constant stream of hyper-limited supercars and hardcore track specials, genuinely retro-inspired sports cars remain a rare breed. That’s the space Bertone is aiming for with the new Runabout, a low-volume production model that brings a 1969 concept car back to life with modern engineering.
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Bertone’s back-catalogue includes heavy hitters like the Lamborghini Miura, Lancia Stratos, Alfa Romeo Montreal, and Giulia GT. But instead of drawing from the more obvious icons, the firm has taken a different route this time, reimagining the Autobianchi A112 Runabout. Originally shown in 1969, that concept would eventually shape the 1972 Fiat X1/9.
Limited to 25 Examples
A year after first teasing the revival, Bertone has revealed the production version of the Runabout, timed to debut at the Retromobile Show in Paris. Just 25 examples will be built, each starting at €390,000 (around $460,000 at current exchnage rates) before taxes.
With options, delivery fees, and personalization, expect the final tally to land comfortably beyond the half-million-dollar mark. This one’s aimed squarely at collectors who don’t blink at seven-figure garage entries.
Neo-Retro, The Bertone Way
So, what exactly are you getting for half a million dollars? According to Bertone, it’s a lightweight sports car with a strong ’70s influence and a refreshingly analog mechanical setup.
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The car measures 3,990 mm (157.1 inches) in length and sticks closely to the proportions of the original Runabout concept. A sharp wedge line divides the body along its profile, while the low nose features classic pop-up headlights alongside a modern LED strip. The fenders rise independently from the vented hood, giving it a sculptural presence.
The wheels carry the retro look too, with 18 inches up front and 19 at the rear, all forged. Combined with the short overhangs and clean surfacing, it gives the Runabout plenty of character.
Around the rear, there’s a lot happening in a small space. A sculpted roll bar meets a stubby tail with round lights and a vintage-style engine cover. The wide tires are only partially tucked beneath a minimalist bumper, framed by a carbon fiber diffuser. Four rectangular cutouts sit above, two of which serve as tailpipe exits.
Buyers can pick between Targa or Barchetta configurations, with a long list of customizable materials, colors, and finishes. The Targa gets removable roof panels that lift upward to aid access, while the Barchetta is entirely roofless, with only a sliver of a windshield for protection.
Maritime Meets Mechanical Inside
Inside, Bertone says the Runabout pays homage to nautical design. A hull-shaped tub and compass set the tone, with the dashboard styled like a minimalist deck. A pair of sculpted bucket seats, a thin two-spoke steering wheel, and exposed mechanical components like the manual gear linkage all highlight the analog character.
There’s a digital gauge cluster and physical HVAC controls, finished in a mix of hand-stitched leather and raw aluminum.
Analog Underpinnings
Under the stylish bodywork lies a bonded aluminum chassis derived from Lotus, featuring double wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars.
Just like in the discontinued Exige, power comes from a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter supercharged V6, mounted midship. It puts out 468 hp (349 kW / 475 PS), a bit under initial projections but still a massive leap from the 54 hp of the 1969 original.
More importantly, the V6 is paired with a close-ratio six-speed manual that sends power to the rear wheels. Bertone claims a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph). Even so, the most compelling figure might be its curb weight at just 1,057 kg (2,330 pounds).
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The Bertone Runabout will make its public appearance at Retromobile 2026 in Paris, running from January 29 to February 1. It will be displayed alongside the original 1969 Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept, offering a rare side-by-side comparison, and joined by the equally limited Bertone GB110.
