After over half a century as a one-off design icon, the radical Bertone Runabout is now being produced in a limited run of 25 units. The reborn Runabout blends the original’s groundbreaking wedge-shaped aesthetic with modern performance, creating an exclusive and highly customizable sports car.
From 1960s Concept to Modern Reality
The original Runabout, penned by Marcello Gandini in 1969, was a minimalist, roofless, and doorless statement. It featured a modest 1.1-liter Autobianchi engine but exerted a disproportionate influence, notably shaping the design of the Fiat X1/9. The modern iteration retains this bold spirit but elevates it dramatically.
Performance and Engineering
The new Runabout is built on a fresh Lotus Exige chassis (with a new VIN), powered by a supercharged 3.5-liter Toyota-sourced V6 engine. Bertone has further tuned the engine to deliver 469 bhp and 361 lb-ft of torque, a substantial increase over the standard Exige. Weight has been aggressively reduced through carbon fiber body panels, bringing the kerb weight down to just 1,180 kg.
The car comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, enabling a 0-62 mph sprint in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph.
Customization and Exclusivity
Bertone emphasizes that no two Runabouts will be identical. The company offers a fully curated configuration process, allowing clients to collaborate directly with Bertone’s design center to personalize every aspect of their vehicle. Options include Bertone-branded helmets and a custom luggage set designed for the car’s compact storage spaces.
Regulatory Freedom and Design Details
The limited production run exempts the Runabout from standard homologation requirements, allowing for a strikingly low and slim front end with pop-up headlights. These are complemented by thin LED daytime running lights that bisect the car’s central design line.
The Runabout is not just a revival of a classic design; it’s a statement of exclusivity, performance, and personalized luxury. Its production marks a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history reimagined for the modern era.
The Bertone Runabout, priced at £400,000, represents an extraordinary blend of heritage and high-performance engineering. With only 25 units planned, it’s destined to be one of the most sought-after cars in the automotive world.
