Why the Bertone Runabout’s 55-Year Return is Worth the Wait
Bertone Runabout makes a thrilling return to the automotive world, 55 years after its first concept sketch by legendary designer Marcello Gandini, with a blend of iconic style and modern engineering that’s set to captivate classic car lovers and supercar fans alike.
Bertone’s revival of the Autobianchi A112 Runabout is an event to be celebrated, especially if you’re a fan of wild, unforgettable design.
Originally showcased as a concept at the 1969 Turin Motor Show, this striking, boat-inspired car—designed by Marcello Gandini—was far from the usual fare.
The original Runabout, a blend of daring form and function, seemed too eccentric to ever hit the road.
Fast forward to today, and Bertone’s new owners are pulling this historical icon into the 21st century while keeping its soul intact.
The Bertone Runabout has traveled a long road to reach today’s modern era. This car is more than just another luxury model; it’s a revival of bold 1960s design and has a rich legacy that car enthusiasts can’t get enough of.
With its thrilling style and serious performance lineage, the Runabout speaks directly to those who love classic cars with a unique story and unmistakable Italian flair.
A Bold Step into the Future with Bertone Runabout Roots in the Past
In 1969, the Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept wasn’t just ahead of its time; it was from another world.
Gandini’s design included details no one had ever seen, like headlights positioned directly beside the driver’s head—a detail that looked dramatic but wasn’t exactly road-friendly.
Its influence stretched well beyond its show-car limitations, inspiring the Fiat X1/9 that followed just a few years later.
The original Runabout had a playful, unapologetically experimental feel, looking almost like a small speedboat for the road. Based on the Autobianchi A112 but tweaked with Gandini’s legendary vision, it symbolised freedom and unconventional thinking.
Bertone’s reimagining sticks close to this DNA, embracing the classic silhouette and boat-inspired details while meeting modern standards of safety, performance, and style.
Bertone Runabout Revamped by Modern Engineering
Gone are the shoulder-mounted headlights, replaced with sleek, pop-up units in the front.
Bertone’s modern take on the Runabout stays true to Gandini’s initial blueprint while making some well-considered changes for drivability and comfort.
Andrea Mocellin, the designer spearheading the project for the new Bertone team, reworked the car to make it practical while retaining its characteristic quirks.
And while the original Bertone Runabout had no doors, the new version thankfully includes them, along with a Targa roof option for those who might want a bit of cover when driving in less-than-ideal weather.
The modern Runabout will pack serious punch under the hood, with a V6 engine producing a whopping 493 bhp, an astronomical leap from the original concept’s 1.1-litre engine.
The Runabout will come in two configurations—a roofless Barchetta and a more conventional Targa version, both promising high performance and high style.
Imagine hitting the open road in this striking two-seater, with the wind in your hair and a touch of history at your fingertips.
Bertone’s New Era: The Classic Line
The Runabout is just the beginning of Bertone’s “Bertone Classics” division, which is set to produce limited-edition models inspired by some of the brand’s most iconic creations.
Mauro and Jean-Franck Ricci, who took over Bertone in 2022, have been vocal about their passion for preserving Bertone’s legacy while introducing it to a new generation of enthusiasts.
Their plan to revive the Runabout as a modern classic is more than just a clever move; it’s a signal that Bertone intends to hold onto its bold roots as it repositions itself for the future.
These models won’t just be museum pieces. They’re meant for the road, bringing the charm of vintage Bertone to modern drivers.
The Bertone Classics division has already launched the GB110 hypercar, and the Runabout’s upcoming debut will add a uniquely nostalgic twist to this evolving lineup.
Bertone’s Greatest Hits: A Legacy of Legendary Supercars
Bertone’s portfolio is a testament to daring design and innovative engineering, setting standards that influenced generations of automotive aesthetics. From radical concept cars to enduring supercars, Bertone’s legacy boasts collaborations that still resonate with enthusiasts.
Lamborghini Miura: The First Supercar
Perhaps Bertone’s most celebrated work, the Lamborghini Miura, defined the supercar genre. With its sleek, low-slung body and mid-engine layout, it revolutionized high-performance design.
This 1966 masterpiece, shaped by Gandini, showcased Bertone’s ability to create beautiful yet ferocious machines. The Miura wasn’t just a car; it was a trailblazer that put Bertone on the world stage.
Lamborghini Countach: Icon of the Wedge
The 1974 Lamborghini Countach pushed automotive design to its limits with a wedge-shaped silhouette and scissor doors.
Bertone’s bold aesthetic and Gandini’s ingenuity turned the Countach into an instant icon, with its angular body panels and aggressive stance. The Countach’s design influenced countless supercars that followed, cementing its place in automotive history.
Alfa Romeo Carabo: The Sci-Fi Dream
The Alfa Romeo Carabo, unveiled in 1968, stunned with its futuristic design. Its metallic green color, sharp lines, and distinctive scissor doors made it look like something from a sci-fi film.
This concept car didn’t make it to production, but it redefined what a supercar could look like, inspiring the Countach’s iconic doors and a generation of exotic sports cars.
Lancia Stratos Zero and Stratos HF: Rally Legends
Bertone’s partnership with Lancia led to two groundbreaking cars: the 1970 Stratos Zero concept and the production Stratos HF.
The Stratos Zero’s extreme wedge design and near-horizontal windshield were unlike anything seen before.
This radical look evolved into the Lancia Stratos HF, a world-class rally car that dominated the 1970s rally scene, showcasing Bertone’s ability to marry style with high performance.
Lamborghini Marzal: Showmanship and Innovation
In 1967, the Lamborghini Marzal made waves with its futuristic, almost theatrical design. Its gull-wing doors and expansive glass surfaces made it a showstopper at the Geneva Motor Show.
Though only a prototype, the Marzal influenced Lamborghini’s Espada and became a symbol of Bertone’s flair for the dramatic.
Alfa Romeo Pandion: The Modern Masterpiece
The Alfa Romeo Pandion, unveiled in 2010, represents Bertone’s more recent work, blending modern tech with iconic style.
With unique “butterfly” doors that extend nearly two meters into the air and intricate detailing, the Pandion showcases Bertone’s ability to push the envelope even in the digital age.
Designed for Alfa Romeo’s centenary, the Pandion epitomises Bertone’s innovative spirit and commitment to design excellence.
From the Miura’s beginnings to the futuristic Pandion, Bertone’s work continues to captivate, reminding us of the brand’s unique place in automotive history.
These masterpieces weren’t just cars; they were statements, each one capturing an era of bold design and visionary engineering.
Why the Bertone Runabout Revival Matters
The 1969 Runabout was a daring concept that blurred the line between art and engineering.
By bringing it back, Bertone is reminding the world that cars can be imaginative, playful, and entirely unique. This isn’t just a nod to the past; it’s a bold statement about the value of creativity in automotive design.
Unlike other retro-inspired cars that simply mimic older models, the Runabout takes everything special about the original and amplifies it for today’s drivers.
With its lightweight body, striking proportions, and potent V6 engine, it’s bound to deliver a driving experience that’s as exhilarating as it is exclusive. And with a price tag starting at around £290,000 (pre-VAT), it’s clear that Bertone isn’t holding back on making this a true collector’s item.
The Future of Bertone Classics
Bertone’s commitment to reviving its classic designs in a way that’s both faithful and forward-thinking speaks volumes.
With other designs rumoured to be on the way, Bertone’s “Classics” line could become a treasure trove for enthusiasts who want more than just a luxury car—they want a piece of automotive history.
The upcoming Runabout, scheduled for release in 2026, will undoubtedly be a unique addition to any collection. Its limited production run will ensure exclusivity, while its historical significance will make it a must-have for collectors and fans of Bertone’s legendary designs.
In an era when cars are increasingly defined by software and semi-autonomous capabilities, the Runabout offers a refreshing return to the basics: a powerful engine, a sleek design, and a car that’s built purely for the joy of driving.
Bertone’s classics aren’t just about nostalgia; they’re about celebrating the golden age of car design and giving it a second life for the next generation.
Why the Bertone Runabout is a Must-Have for Collectors
The reborn Bertone Runabout captures everything that made the original a landmark concept. It’s an unapologetically bold design, brought back with the kind of powerful performance that modern drivers crave.
But beyond the specs and the aesthetic, the Runabout represents something deeper: a commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, even if it means revisiting the past.
For collectors, the Runabout offers a unique opportunity to own a car that’s as rich in history as it is in horsepower.
And for the rest of us, it’s a reminder of what makes cars like these so irresistible. They’re not just vehicles; they’re pieces of art that tell a story, one that Bertone is keeping alive with each new release.
As Bertone’s legacy continues to unfold, we can expect even more innovative reimaginings of its classic designs.
With each model, Bertone seems to be saying, “Here’s to the past—and to the thrill of bringing it roaring into the future.” For any classic car enthusiast, that’s a road well worth traveling.
To stay updated on all the latest in supercar news, check out our collection of articles on supercars for more high-speed thrills and iconic designs.
For more articles like this, receive our weekly e-newsletter, including partner deals and all things motoring, register your email below.
Please note: You cannot subscribe to Smart-Motoring unless you put a tick in the checkbox below to indicate have read and agreed to our privacy policy.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.