1969 Bertone Runabout Reimagined as a Neo-Retro Sportscar

The name Bertone should need no introduction to motoring enthusiasts. The stylistic work carried out from the famed Italian atelier has graced roads for several decades. Its handiwork includes the likes of the Lamborghini Miura and Espada, Lancia Stratos, Citroen BX, Alfa Montreal and the Fiat X1/9 among many others. In more recent times the rejuvenated brand has turned its attention to producing its own cars. As a result it created the GB110, the first to carry the Bertone name as manufacturer, instead of stylist. Now the company as added a second in the shape of the Bertone Runabout.

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Our intention from the beginning was to translate the essence of the 1969 Runabout into a car that feels entirely relevant today. The process didn’t start from styling but from spirit: the nautical inspiration, the playfulness, and the purity of purpose that defined the original. From the first sketches, the goal was to capture that feeling of freedom and lightness while building a modern architectural language around it. Ultimately, the emotion we want people to feel is surprise, through simplicity and presence. The Runabout should spark an immediate emotional connection: a blend of joy, curiosity, and admiration for craftsmanship
– Andrea Mocellin, lead designer

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Retro Inspiration

The new Bertone Runabout takes it inspiration from a 1969 concept of the same name. The original version was, in turn, inspired by little boats (barchetta, in Italian), with an open cabin that was placed towards the rear of the body. The new car has been thoroughly modernised, with production in mind. As a result it is less outlandish than its namesake. Although, Bertone will be producing two body styles: a permanently open barchetta or a targa with removable roof panels. Just 25 units of the Runabout are slated for production, each costing about R7,4m before taxes and import duties.

Take a look back at some of the wedge-shaped concept cars that inspired the era by clicking here.

Lightweight Platform

The retro appearance of Bertone Runabout is something to behold. However, it is backed up by some proper mechanicals. The car is based on a lightweight bonded aluminium monocoque and clad with carbon-fibre bodywork. As a result it is said to tip the scales around 1 050 kg, about the same as a current Mazda MX-5. A Toyota-sourced 3,5-litre V6 which is force fed by a supercharger sits in a mid-mount location behind the cabin. This unit delivers 350 kW and 490 N.m of torque. A six-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear axle.

As a result of the low mass and power output the 0-100 km/h time is quoted as 4,1 seconds. That doesn’t sound extremely impressive in an era when standard production cars can reel off this same test in under two seconds (as this Corvette manages to do). This car is less about straight-line blasts and more about the joy of driving. The top speed is rated as 270 km/h.

It rides on double-wishbone suspension on all four corners. In addition there are three-way adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars so enthusiastic drivers can set up the car’s handling to suit their own driving styles. The forged aluminium wheels measure 18-inch in diameter on the front and an inch more at the rear.