Bertone Revives the Runabout: A Neo-Retro Italian Masterpiece with Pop-Up Headlights and V6 Muscle
By Team Dailyrevs March 17, 2025
Bertone, the legendary Italian design house, is back with a compelling nod to its past—the revival of the Bertone Runabout, a car steeped in heritage and reborn for a modern audience. Inspired by the 1969 Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept, which itself was the creative spark behind the Fiat X1/9 and Lancia Stratos, this new limited-run model is a celebration of Italian design and motorsport spirit.
A Legacy Reborn
The original Runabout debuted at the 1969 Turin Motor Show, designed by the visionary Marcello Gandini under the Bertone banner. It was a forward-thinking barchetta-style concept built on the Autobianchi A112 platform and was characterized by its daring wedge shape, nautical cues like the roll-bar reminiscent of a boat’s mast, and most notably, its pop-up headlights. The concept laid the foundation for a new wave of Italian sports cars and has remained a cult classic among automotive aficionados.
The Modern Revival
Fast forward to 2026, and Bertone’s reincarnation of the Runabout blends retro inspiration with supercar performance.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Bertone Runabout |
| Production Limit | 25 units |
| Engine | Mid-mounted V6 |
| Power Output | 460–493 hp (depending on final spec) |
| Body Styles | Barchetta (open) and Targa (removable hardtop) |
| Design Highlights | Wedge shape, pop-up headlights, roll-bar, quad exhaust |
| Color Options | Rame Antico (copper), Azzurro Mediterraneo (blue), Bianco Perla (pearl white) |
| Interior | Minimalist, red and black upholstery, aluminum accents |
| Price | €350,000 (approx. $370,000) |
| Launch Date | Mid-2026 |
Classic Meets Contemporary
The pop-up headlights—a detail often sacrificed on the altar of modern regulations—make a bold comeback here, reinforcing Bertone’s rebellious flair. But this time, they’re integrated into a car boasting nearly 500 hp, a mid-engine V6, and lightweight construction likely built from advanced composites and aluminum.
Buyers will have the choice of a wind-in-your-hair Barchetta or a more versatile Targa with a removable hardtop—classic body styles that perfectly suit the car’s nostalgic yet aggressive proportions.
Designed for the Few
Limited to just 25 units (or fewer), the Bertone Runabout is aimed squarely at collectors, connoisseurs, and those seeking an alternative to mainstream supercars. The pricing reflects its exclusivity, starting at €350,000, but what you’re paying for is a masterclass in lightweight Italian sports car design that celebrates Bertone’s golden era.
Final Thoughts
The rebirth of the Bertone Runabout is a bold statement from a design house that refuses to fade quietly into history. From the daring wedge silhouette to its pop-up headlights and mid-mounted V6 growl, this is a machine that’s every bit as much about emotion as it is about engineering.
For those craving more, you can find additional detailed images of the Bertone Runabout here