Bertone‘s newest model is a welcome throwback to its racing legacy.
Based on a model that debuted at the Turin International Motor Show in 1969, the Runabout is the maker’s first installment in their Classic line, which showcases the company’s rich heritage — along with some very modern engineering. The aerodynamic vehicle sports a distinctive wedge-shaped body that comes in two configurations: the open-air Barchetta and the versatile Targa with a removable roof. Like all the other models that will eventually populate the Classic lineup, the Runabout is set to be produced in limited numbers as a measure to ensure both exclusivity and craftsmanship of the highest, most rigorous standards.
”The challenge was maintaining the spirit and purity of the original 1969 model while integrating modern high-performance technology,” design lead Andrea Mocellin said in a statement. “Crafted with precision, it celebrates pure geometry and design with only two defining lines—capturing the essence of elegance and the joy of driving.”
Bertone
The slick exterior is undeniably a showstopper, but what’s under the hood is intended to be just as impressive. As its silhouette might suggest, the original 1969 Runabout was inspired by racing boats of the period and came equipped with a 55 hp, 1.1-liter engine. The updated version boasts a significantly more powerful 500 hp V6 engine that aligns with the contemporary expectations of high-performance driving.
Built as a two-seater, the cabin has an intimate shoulder-to-shoulder arrangement, but more than makes up for the close quarters with supple crimson leather-upholstered seats that coordinate with a single crimson stripe running along the outside. And unlike the original, passengers are no longer required to hop in over the sides thanks to new side-door access.
Bertone is now registering requests of interest for a production schedule that will commence at the beginning of 2026. Each Runabout in the series is priced at $380,000.