Bertone brings a concept from 1969 to production

Coachbuilder Bertone has posted the first images of the Runabout, its next car scheduled for a limited market release. The model provides a modern perspective on the iconic A112 Concept that the now-defunct car brand Autobianchi envisioned in the distant year 1969.

Like its historical predecessor, the Bertone Runabout features a tapered body with distinct speedster outlines, a small windshield and a large aerodynamic cowling behind the seats. This makes it look like a speedboat, much like the original. The wheels only serve to increase the likeness.

As one would expect, there are deviations from the original design as well. For example, the headlights aren’t mounted at the sides anymore – they sit in recessions under the front bumper. The whole cabin is also new, designed from the ground up to prioritize the driver. Unlike the A112, the Runabout has doors and an optional removable top.

Powering the modern exotic is a six-cylinder, 500-PS (492-hp / 369-kW) engine mated with a manual transmission. It is said to be nearly 10 times as powerful as the original’s 1.1-liter unit. Bertone doesn’t specify the origins of the chassis or the engine.

Preorders are already being processed with prices starting from €350,000. The planned production quantity is unknown, and will likely depend on the number of orders received. The first example isn’t expected to ship until 2026.