The Bertone Runabout Is Back And Headed to Production


One of the great concepts of yesteryear is finally going into production.

Bertone has revealed plans to build not one, but two cars based on the Autobianchi A112 Runabout from 1969. The coachbuilder plans to release Barchetta and Targa models of the reimagined sports car and plans to build just 25 examples.

The A112 Runabout made its debut at the 1969 Turin Auto Show in October. The striking prototype, which was designed by Bertone’s legendary Marcello Gandini, was a small barchetta that shared a transverse mid-engine layout with the designer’s more famous Lamborghini Miura. The tiny two-door was imagined as a replacement for the Fiat 850 Spider, which the coachbuilder had been manufacturing for the Italian automaker. But, as used to be the norm for most concepts, the vehicle never made it to production, and instead became one of the great Italian automotive “What ifs” of the last century.

The Bertone Runabout next to the Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept

The Bertone Runabout and the Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept

Bertone

Now, nearly 60 years later, Bertone has decided to finally put the car into production itself. The new Roundabout isn’t a faithful recreation of the original concept; it’s a spirited reinterpretation. Its wedge-shaped, carbon-fiber body, which, Motor1.com points out, is about the same size as a Mazda Miata, is even more sleek than its predecessor and features pop-up headlights. But the biggest change is that the Targa version will include removable roof panels. The cabin has a distinct retro feel—including plenty of physical controls—but still features a digital gauge display in the cockpit.

The Runabout is built on a modified Lotus chassis, according to Top Gear. It is powered by a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter supercharged V-6 mated to a six-speed manual gearbox—yes, it’s a stick shift—that makes 475 hp and 361 ft lbs of torque. Bertone says it will be able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 168 mph, numbers that easily best what the concept would have been capable of had it made it to production.

Inside the Bertone Runabout

Inside the Runabout

Bertone

Are you in the market for a stylish two-seater? You might want to reach out to Bertone quickly if you want to reserve a Runabout. Just prepare to spend. Each of the 25 examples, whether its the Barchetta or Targa model, will cost €390,000, which works out to $463,000.

Click here for more photos of the Bertone Runabout.

Bertone





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