If you remember seeing the original Autobianchi A112 Runabout when it debuted in 1969, chances are your back isn’t what it used to be. But here’s something to make those aching bones feel young again. The legendary wedge-shaped concept has been revived after 57 years as the Bertone Runabout. And unlike the original, this one you can actually buy.
Conceived by legendary designer Marcello Gandini, the speedboat-inspired Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept eventually influenced the Fiat X1/9. The modern interpretation preserves its distinctive wedge-shaped silhouette, horizontal beltline, and nautical influences, while introducing pop-up headlights and contemporary engineering.
Two configurations are available: the fully open Barchetta and the more practical Targa with a removable roof. Both feature a minimalist two-seat cockpit with leather upholstery, aluminum accents, a digital tachometer, a gated manual shifter, and even a nautical compass on the dashboard.
Beneath the retro bodywork sits a mid-mounted, Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter supercharged V6 producing 475 hp and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque. Power goes exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
Thanks to its lightweight bonded aluminum chassis and carbon-fiber bodywork, the Runabout weighs just 1,057 kg (2,330 lbs). Bertone claims a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) sprint of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).
The mechanical package includes double-wishbone suspension, three-way adjustable dampers, adjustable anti-roll bars, and forged aluminum wheels measuring 18 inches up front and 19 inches at the rear. Measuring just 3,990 mm (157.1 inches) long and 1,116 mm (43.9 inches) tall, it is remarkably compact by modern sports car standards.
Only 25 examples will be hand-built, with each individually configured to its owner’s preferences. The starting price is €390,000 (approximately US$455,000), before taxes and duties.
Images: Bertone.
