Bertone brings back the Runabout

Bertone has revived one of its most intriguing 1960s concepts with the new Runabout, a modern interpretation of the 1969 original that blends classic Italian coachbuilding with contemporary performance and design.

Built around two defining elements, a forward-leaning wedge and the truncated coda tronca tail, the Runabout is offered in two forms: an open Barchetta and a removable-roof Targa. Both retain the same low-slung proportions and clean, nautical-inspired lines.

Inside, the maritime theme continues with a hull-like carbon-fibre tub, horizontal dashboard and central compass, alongside a gated six-speed manual gearbox, exposed mechanical details and a single digital tachometer. Carbon fibre bodywork and a bonded aluminium chassis help keep weight down.

Power comes from a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 producing around 475bhp, with the rear-driven car capable of 0–60mph in around 4 seconds. But this is very much a machine designed around mechanical involvement rather than outright numbers.

Just 25 examples will be built, with each one individually configured through Bertone’s Centro Stile, allowing owners to specify everything from materials and colours to textures and finishes.

Photos © Bertone