[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/supercars\/bertone-runabout-supercar\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/supercars\/bertone-runabout-supercar\/","headline":"Bertone Runabout: The Supercar That Took 55 Years","name":"Bertone Runabout: The Supercar That Took 55 Years","description":"Bertone Runaround: Classic Car Concept Finally Hits the Road!\nThe Bertone Runaround, originally a 1969 concept, is no longer just a design on paper\u2014it\u2019s hitting the asphalt!\nAfter 55 years, this unique concept car is getting its long-awaited moment in the sun, complete with modern tweaks that pay homage to its radical, retro style. \nDesigned by the legendary Marcello Gandini, who\u2019s behind icons like the Lamborghini Countach and Lancia Stratos, the Runaround comes to life with a powerful 493 bhp V6 engine and upgraded tech, keeping that thrilling \u201cjust-out-of-a-dream\u201d look. This rare, limited edition isn\u2019t just for any driver\u2014it\u2019s for classic car enthusiasts with a taste for bold design, high performance, and rich automotive history. Dive into the story of this remarkable comeback and explore Bertone\u2019s commitment to preserving the spirit of their original concept while reimagining it for today\u2019s roads.","datePublished":"2024-11-07","dateModified":"2024-11-20","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/sean-neylon\/#Person","name":"Sean Neylon","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/sean-neylon\/","identifier":34,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a036ec19c690fbd907de932d0ede682f992b96e00164fbf2238ccfb7c3681767?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a036ec19c690fbd907de932d0ede682f992b96e00164fbf2238ccfb7c3681767?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Bertone-RUNABOUT_main_front.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Bertone-RUNABOUT_main_front.webp","height":816,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/supercars\/bertone-runabout-supercar\/","about":["HYPERCAR","LATEST CAR NEWS","SUPERCARS"],"wordCount":1984,"keywords":["Gandini"],"articleBody":"Why the Bertone Runabout\u2019s 55-Year Return is Worth the WaitBertone 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\u2019s set to captivate classic car lovers and supercar fans alike.Bertone\u2019s revival of the Autobianchi A112 Runabout is an event to be celebrated, especially if you\u2019re a fan of wild, unforgettable design.Originally showcased as a concept at the 1969 Turin Motor Show, this striking, boat-inspired car\u2014designed by Marcello Gandini\u2014was far from the usual fare.The visionary 1969 sketch by Marcello Gandini that birthed the Bertone Runabout concept, blending boat-like design with automotive innovation.The original Runabout, a blend of daring form and function, seemed too eccentric to ever hit the road. Fast forward to today, and Bertone\u2019s 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\u2019s modern era. This car is more than just another luxury model; it\u2019s a revival of bold 1960s design and has a rich legacy that car enthusiasts can\u2019t 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 PastIn 1969, the Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept wasn\u2019t just ahead of its time; it was from another world. The daring Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept car debuting in 1969, reflecting Gandini’s avant-garde design.Gandini\u2019s design included details no one had ever seen, like headlights positioned directly beside the driver\u2019s head\u2014a detail that looked dramatic but wasn\u2019t exactly road-friendly.Its influence stretched well beyond its show-car limitations, inspiring the Fiat X1\/9 that followed just a few years later\u200b.Marcello Gandini\u2019s 1969 blueprint sketch that first visualized the Bertone Runabout\u2019s unique, open-cockpit style.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\u2019s legendary vision, it symbolised freedom and unconventional thinking.Bertone\u2019s 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 EngineeringAndrea Mocellin\u2019s modern take on Gandini\u2019s classic Bertone Runabout, maintaining its iconic spirit.Gone are the shoulder-mounted headlights, replaced with sleek, pop-up units in the front.Bertone\u2019s modern take on the Runabout stays true to Gandini\u2019s 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. A peek inside the Bertone Runabout\u2019s sporty red and grey interior, featuring racing seats and a leather dashboard.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\u200b.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\u2019s 1.1-litre engine.The open-top, Barchetta-style Bertone Runabout, blending heritage with thrilling open-air design.The Runabout will come in two configurations\u2014a roofless Barchetta and a more conventional Targa version, both promising high performance and high style.The Bertone Runabout Targa model, adding a hardtop while keeping the classic 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.The rear view of the Bertone Runabout, showcasing modern performance elements and classic design cues.Bertone\u2019s New Era: The Classic LineAn aerial perspective of the Bertone Runabout Barchetta, capturing its striking form on an open road.The Runabout is just the beginning of Bertone\u2019s “Bertone Classics” division, which is set to produce limited-edition models inspired by some of the brand\u2019s most iconic creations.Mauro and Jean-Franck Ricci, who took over Bertone in 2022, have been vocal about their passion for preserving Bertone\u2019s legacy while introducing it to a new generation of enthusiasts.\u200bTheir plan to revive the Runabout as a modern classic is more than just a clever move; it\u2019s a signal that Bertone intends to hold onto its bold roots as it repositions itself for the future.The Bertone Runabout\u2019s racing-inspired interior with red and grey seats and harnesses.These models won\u2019t just be museum pieces. They\u2019re 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\u2019s upcoming debut will add a uniquely nostalgic twist to this evolving lineup\u200b.Bertone\u2019s Greatest Hits: A Legacy of Legendary SupercarsBertone\u2019s 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 SupercarThe legendary Lamborghini Miura from 1966, a true supercar designed by Marcello Gandini for Bertone.Perhaps Bertone\u2019s 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\u2019s ability to create beautiful yet ferocious machines. The Miura wasn\u2019t just a car; it was a trailblazer that put Bertone on the world stage.Lamborghini Countach: Icon of the WedgeThe 1974 Lamborghini Countach, a striking design by Bertone\u2019s Gandini, from its iconic rear.The 1974 Lamborghini Countach pushed automotive design to its limits with a wedge-shaped silhouette and scissor doors.Bertone\u2019s bold aesthetic and Gandini\u2019s ingenuity turned the Countach into an instant icon, with its angular body panels and aggressive stance. The Countach\u2019s design influenced countless supercars that followed, cementing its place in automotive history.Alfa Romeo Carabo: The Sci-Fi DreamThe futuristic Alfa Romeo Carabo concept, unveiled by Bertone in 1968, a blueprint for exotic cars to come.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\u2019t make it to production, but it redefined what a supercar could look like, inspiring the Countach\u2019s iconic doors and a generation of exotic sports cars.Lancia Stratos Zero and Stratos HF: Rally LegendsClose-up of the Lancia Stratos Zero\u2019s aerodynamic front wheel arch and unique alloy wheels.Bertone\u2019s partnership with Lancia led to two groundbreaking cars: the 1970 Stratos Zero concept and the production Stratos HF.The Stratos Zero\u2019s extreme wedge design and near-horizontal windshield were unlike anything seen before.The Lancia Stratos HF, a rally legend of the 1970s, displaying Bertone\u2019s genius for fusing style with performance.This radical look evolved into the Lancia Stratos HF, a world-class rally car that dominated the 1970s rally scene, showcasing Bertone\u2019s ability to marry style with high performance.Lamborghini Marzal: Showmanship and InnovationThe Lamborghini Marzal, a showstopper at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show with its dramatic gull-wing doors.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\u2019s Espada and became a symbol of Bertone\u2019s flair for the dramatic.Alfa Romeo Pandion: The Modern MasterpieceThe Alfa Romeo Pandion concept, representing Bertone\u2019s futuristic style with modern technology.The Alfa Romeo Pandion, unveiled in 2010, represents Bertone\u2019s 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\u2019s ability to push the envelope even in the digital age.Designed for Alfa Romeo\u2019s centenary, the Pandion epitomises Bertone\u2019s innovative spirit and commitment to design excellence.From the Miura\u2019s beginnings to the futuristic Pandion, Bertone\u2019s work continues to captivate, reminding us of the brand\u2019s unique place in automotive history.These masterpieces weren\u2019t just cars; they were statements, each one capturing an era of bold design and visionary engineering.Why the Bertone Runabout Revival MattersThe 1969 Runabout was a daring concept that blurred the line between art and engineering.The Bertone Runabout Barchetta model, featuring a distinctive red stripe along the body.By bringing it back, Bertone is reminding the world that cars can be imaginative, playful, and entirely unique. This isn\u2019t just a nod to the past; it\u2019s 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\u2019s drivers.With its lightweight body, striking proportions, and potent V6 engine, it\u2019s bound to deliver a driving experience that\u2019s as exhilarating as it is exclusive. And with a price tag starting at around \u00a3290,000 (pre-VAT), it\u2019s clear that Bertone isn\u2019t holding back on making this a true collector\u2019s item\u200b.The Future of Bertone ClassicsBertone\u2019s commitment to reviving its classic designs in a way that\u2019s both faithful and forward-thinking speaks volumes.With other designs rumoured to be on the way, Bertone\u2019s “Classics” line could become a treasure trove for enthusiasts who want more than just a luxury car\u2014they 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\u2019s 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\u2019s built purely for the joy of driving.Bertone\u2019s classics aren\u2019t just about nostalgia; they\u2019re 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 CollectorsFront elevation of the Bertone Runabout with its distinctive popup split headlights.The reborn Bertone Runabout captures everything that made the original a landmark concept. It\u2019s 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.Studio view of the Bertone Runabout Barchetta\u2019s rear 3\/4 profile, featuring round tail lights.For collectors, the Runabout offers a unique opportunity to own a car that\u2019s as rich in history as it is in horsepower.And for the rest of us, it\u2019s a reminder of what makes cars like these so irresistible. They\u2019re not just vehicles; they\u2019re pieces of art that tell a story, one that Bertone is keeping alive with each new release.As Bertone\u2019s legacy continues to unfold, we can expect even more innovative reimaginings of its classic designs.The Bertone Runabout Barchetta and Targa hardtop models side by side, showcasing options for open-air or enclosed driving.With each model, Bertone seems to be saying, \u201cHere\u2019s to the past\u2014and to the thrill of bringing it roaring into the future.\u201d For any classic car enthusiast, that\u2019s 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."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Supercars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/supercars\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Bertone Runabout: The Supercar That Took 55 Years","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/supercars\/bertone-runabout-supercar\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]