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Dolce Vita Returns: Bertone’s RUNABOUT in Timeless Italian Style
Bertone has unveiled a new chapter in its design legacy with the reveal of exclusive design details and digital previews of the RUNABOUT, a strictly limited collector’s model that marks the debut of the Bertone Classic Collection. Only 25 units will be crafted for a global audience, each offering a rare fusion of neo-retro styling, Italian heritage and modern engineering. Captured against evocative Italian backdrops, the new visuals provide a first glimpse into this highly anticipated model, with production scheduled to begin in mid-2026.
The RUNABOUT is a contemporary interpretation of Bertone’s original 1969 concept car, reimagined with sharp geometric clarity and sculptural balance. Its design is based on the 'Zero principle', defined by a bold L-shaped wedge that flows from the roll bar to the nose, paired with a horizontal base line that lends the car a subtly nautical character. This minimalist composition creates an instantly recognisable silhouette, elegant and assertive in equal measure.
Two configurations offer distinct driving personalities. The Barchetta version delivers the purest experience with a fully open body and minimal windscreen, providing an unfiltered connection to the road. The Targa features a full windscreen and removable roof panel, offering greater versatility while maintaining the car’s open-air spirit. Both variants are tailored for those who value design, feel and the theatre of driving.
Design details speak to Bertone’s legacy while embracing a contemporary sensibility. Classic pop-up headlights, once housed in nacelles behind the cockpit, now emerge cleanly from the bodywork, preserving the nostalgic gesture with a modern execution. At the rear, the car features a Coda Tronca profile with rounded tail lights, an industrial-style engine cover and a sculpted aluminium fuel cap. A clean horizontal line flows across the body, tying together the flared fenders and reinforcing the car’s bold stance.
The colour palette evokes refined Italian aesthetics. Rame Antico is a deep antique copper inspired by artisanal metalwork. Azzurro Mediterraneo captures the vibrant blue of the Ligurian coastline, while Bianco Perla offers a pearlescent ivory that recalls the purity of Italian marble. Each shade enhances the car’s visual identity, evoking emotion through heritage and craftsmanship.
Beneath the design is a mid-mounted V6 engine producing 460 hp, paired with a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. The focus is on lightweight agility, mechanical precision and immersive performance. The RUNABOUT is designed for driving enthusiasts who appreciate a more analogue, hands-on experience rarely found in modern sports cars.
With pricing and only 25 units available worldwide, the Bertone RUNABOUT is positioned as an ultra-exclusive collector’s item. It is not simply a car, but a rare artefact of Italian design excellence, crafted for those who seek to own a piece of history reborn.