Bertone Revives the Runabout as a Modern 475 HP Coachbuilt Supercar
Source: Bertone Press Release
Bertone has officially reintroduced one of its most iconic design studies as a modern ultra-limited production model. The Runabout, originally unveiled as a concept in 1969, returns as a fully realized coachbuilt supercar, blending historic Italian design language with contemporary performance engineering.
Limited to just 25 examples worldwide, the new Runabout marks the first model in Bertone’s newly established Classic range, signaling a new era for the legendary Italian design house.
A Design Icon Reborn
The original Runabout concept, created by Marcello Gandini and presented at the Turin Motor Show in 1969, was a radical departure from traditional automotive design.
Defined by its sharp geometry, low stance, and open barchetta layout, the concept drew inspiration from Italian motorboats, prioritizing purity, lightness, and function over ornamentation.
Although never produced at the time, its wedge-shaped silhouette influenced an entire generation of sports cars.
More than five decades later, Bertone has translated that vision into a modern production model—preserving the original spirit while adapting it for today’s performance expectations.
A Pure Analogue Driving Experience
At the heart of the new Runabout lies a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine, producing 475 horsepower and 490 Nm of torque.
Unlike many modern supercars, the Runabout remains firmly committed to a driver-focused analogue experience.
Power is delivered exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, reinforcing its identity as a purist’s machine in an increasingly digital automotive world.
With a curb weight of just 1,057 kilograms, the car achieves an impressive power-to-weight ratio, translating into sharp responsiveness and engaging driving dynamics.
Performance figures include:
0–100 km/h in approximately 3.1 seconds
Top speed of 270 km/h
These numbers highlight a balance between performance and control rather than extreme, record-focused acceleration.
Lightweight Engineering and Precision Chassis
The Runabout is built around a bonded aluminium chassis with integrated subframe structures, combining rigidity with low weight.
Its suspension system features double wishbone architecture with fully adjustable dampers, allowing precise tuning for different driving conditions.
Additional engineering highlights include:
adjustable anti-roll bars
high-performance braking system
forged aluminium wheels
performance-focused tire setup
This configuration ensures that the Runabout delivers a driving experience that remains both dynamic and predictable.
Source: Bertone Press Release
Two Body Styles: Barchetta and Targa
Bertone offers the Runabout in two distinct configurations:
Barchetta – a pure open-top design reflecting the original concept
Targa – featuring a removable roof panel for increased versatility
Both versions maintain the car’s essential proportions and design philosophy, emphasizing openness and connection between driver and environment.
Design Meets Architecture: Villa Gontero
To present the Runabout, Bertone selected Villa Gontero in Piedmont, a location deeply connected to the same cultural and architectural era as the original concept.
Designed between 1969 and 1971, the villa is a striking example of Italian brutalist architecture, characterized by exposed concrete structures and bold geometric forms.
The connection between the car and the architecture is intentional.
Both share a design philosophy where structure is not hidden but celebrated—where function becomes identity.
The Runabout’s horizontal beltline mirrors the villa’s layered concrete planes, while its low stance echoes the building’s cantilevered forms.
Made in Italy as a Philosophy
Bertone describes the Runabout not just as a vehicle, but as a statement of Italian design culture.
The project reflects a broader philosophy where craftsmanship, proportion, and emotional engagement are as important as technical performance.
This approach positions the Runabout as more than a collector car. It becomes a piece of design history brought into the modern era.
A New Chapter for Bertone
Founded in 1912, Bertone has been responsible for some of the most influential automotive designs in history, working with brands such as Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Lancia.
With the Runabout, the company is entering a new phase as a producer of ultra-limited coachbuilt vehicles, combining its historic design expertise with modern engineering capabilities.
The new Classic range is expected to continue this approach, offering highly exclusive models that bridge past and present.
A Collector’s Statement
With only 25 units planned, the Runabout is positioned as a highly exclusive collector’s piece.
Its combination of historical significance, analogue driving focus, and limited production ensures strong appeal among enthusiasts and collectors alike.
In an era dominated by electrification and digital interfaces, Bertone’s latest creation stands out by going in the opposite direction—returning to the fundamentals of driving.
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