Bertone has revived the legendary Runabout as a limited-production neo-retro sports car, drawing direct inspiration from the bold 1969 concept. Unveiled at Rétromobile 2026 in Paris, the modern Runabout mixes classic styling with contemporary engineering and meticulous craftsmanship.
The car is built around a bespoke bonded aluminium chassis developed specifically for Bertone and clothed in extensive carbon-fibre bodywork. With a weight of roughly 1,057 kg, it remains impressively light by modern standards. Buyers can choose between two open-air versions: a pure barchetta with a low windscreen or a targa variant featuring a removable carbon roof panel.
Mounted mid-ship is a supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota-sourced V6 producing 475 hp and 490 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox with a gated shifter, keeping the driving experience deliberately mechanical. Performance figures include a 0–100 kph time of around 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 270 kph.
Visually, the Runabout stays true to its roots. The sharp wedge profile returns, along with pop-up headlights, a rare sight on modern cars. Forged wheels with staggered tyres give it a planted stance, while the interior follows a minimalist, nautical-inspired theme. A single digital tachometer, exposed controls, leather trim and machined aluminium surfaces define the cockpit.
Production is capped at just 25 customer cars, each hand-built and extensively customizable through Bertone’s atelier. Prices start at approximately €390,000 before taxes, positioning the new Runabout as an exclusive bridge between Bertone’s heritage and its performance-driven future.
