Bertone Revives the Iconic Runabout: A Modern Tribute to Wedge Car Design - News

Bertone, one of Italy's most storied design houses, is reintroducing a beloved icon from automotive history: the 1969 Runabout, originally penned by the visionary Marcello Gandini. Known for its striking wedge shape and bold geometric lines, the Runabout made waves with its distinctive nautical styling, which set it apart from the crowd and influenced generations of cars that followed. This modern reinterpretation, aptly named the RUNABOUT (in all caps), stays true to the original's daring, sharp lines, maintaining that unmistakable L-shaped profile stretching from the roll bar to the car's angular nose. This is more than just a revival; it's a loving tribute to the era that birthed the FIAT X1/9 and Lancia Stratos, two cars that owe their lineage to the design revolution Gandini started with the Runabout.

With the new RUNABOUT, Bertone offers two distinct setups that capture the spirit of open-air Italian motoring: the “Barchetta,” an unfiltered driving experience free from windshield and roof, and the “Targa,” featuring a removable roof for versatility. The heart of this new wedge car is a V6 engine boasting a power range of 55 to a robust 500 horsepower, embodying the spirit of high-performance with a touch of restraint. Bertone's lead designer, Andrea Mocellin, acknowledges the challenge of merging the classic wedge design with modern performance capabilities, emphasizing that the goal was to capture the purity and light-footed character of the original while giving it the horsepower to handle today's roads. It's a balancing act that brings out the best of both worlds: a car that looks straight out of 1969 yet performs like a modern supercar.

The return of the Runabout marks the debut of Bertone's “Classic” line, a new initiative that signals the brand's commitment to reviving its greatest designs for today's audience. But this revival isn't just about nostalgia—it's a calculated strategy for survival in a competitive market that often favors established luxury and performance brands. Bertone has faced significant challenges over the years, even falling into financial difficulty before being revitalized in 2022 by Jean-Franck and Mauro Ricci. Reintroducing iconic designs like the Runabout allows Bertone to leverage its rich history and capture the attention of enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of classic aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering. By bringing back the Runabout, Bertone aims to tap into the hearts of a new generation of car collectors, reminding the world of its legacy while setting the stage for a modern comeback.

In recent renders, the new RUNABOUT's design is stunning, evoking both the retro-futurism of Gandini's original vision and the sleek, aggressive lines demanded by today's hyper-competitive market. This car, with its bold stance and aerodynamic flourishes, is a testament to Bertone's ongoing dedication to the art of design. The RUNABOUT, produced in limited numbers, preserves the character of a nimble, open-air machine while showcasing Bertone's modernized take on high-performance luxury. For those who celebrate the heritage and pleasure of driving, the RUNABOUT offers a rare blend of history and innovation—a tribute to the past and a beacon for Bertone's future.