Turning the ‘60s Concept Into Reality
The Runabout might not be the first Bertone name that comes to mind, but it played a bigger role than most people think. When it debuted in 1969, the original concept showed just how far Bertone was willing to push boundaries. This was the same era that produced the Countach and Stratos, the wedge-shaped legends that put Bertone on the map.
Previewed in December, Bertone is bringing back the Runabout – not as a concept car but as a limited-run production supercar. The new Runabout leads off Bertone’s Classic Line, setting the direction for what comes next. With its debut set for Retromobile 2026 in Paris, Bertone is making it clear they’re back in the game as a true low-volume manufacturer.
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Nautical Inspiration
The Runabout’s shape is all about two things: a forward-leaning wedge and a chopped-off tail. No matter where you look, it sits low and compact, with proportions that feel more like a classic concept than a modern supercar trying too hard to stand out.
Pop-up headlights are reimagined here, sitting flush in the clean bodywork. The forged aluminum wheels nod to the original Runabout, but avoid going full retro. Out back, the short tail tucks the exhausts into a neat, geometric setup that keeps everything purposeful.
Step inside, and the cabin wraps you in a hull-like tub, putting you low and close to the car’s structure, which took inspiration from nautical design. There’s just a single digital tachometer instead of a full cluster, and the gated manual shifter plus exposed mechanicals keep things refreshingly analog. Materials like carbon fiber, machined aluminum, and hand-finished leather are used where they matter, focusing on feel and texture.
Bertone
Only 25 Units to be Made
Underneath, the Runabout packs a mid-mounted, supercharged 3.5-liter V6 with 475 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque, all going through a six-speed manual. According to Bertone, the focus is on smooth, progressive torque and real driver involvement, not just big numbers. Then again, it’s actually supercar quick: 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph.
Moreover, sits on a lightweight bonded aluminum chassis with plenty of carbon fiber, keeping the weight down to about 2,330 pounds. Double wishbone suspension and adjustable dampers all around show this car is built to be driven hard if the wealthy owner chooses to.
That said, only 25 Runabout supercars will ever be built, each on a fresh chassis and finished to order. Prices start at €390,000 before taxes, or about $463,000 at today’s exchange rates. The car will debut next to the original 1969 concept this week, bringing Bertone’s story full circle and showing where the brand wants to go next.
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