October 29, 2024, marks a momentous occasion in automotive history as the renowned Italian design house, Bertone, prepares to reintroduce an icon—the Bertone Runabout. This highly anticipated unveiling coincides with the 55th anniversary of the original model’s debut at the 1969 Turin Auto Show, where it left an indelible mark on the automotive world. The new Bertone Runabout promises to honor its legendary predecessor while pushing boundaries for a new generation of sports car enthusiasts.
A Historical Inspiration
The original Runabout, officially known as the Autobianchi A112 Runabout, was the brainchild of Marcello Gandini, one of the most influential automotive designers of the 20th century. When it first appeared at the 1969 Turin Auto Show, its bold and futuristic design, inspired by 1960s racing boats, turned heads and set a new standard for the design of compact, mid-engined sports cars. The car’s wedge-shaped profile, distinctive rollbar, and minimalist, doorless body were hallmarks of a new era in automotive styling. Gandini’s daring vision would go on to influence later masterpieces, including the Fiat X1/9, which bore several of the Runabout’s signature design elements.
We at carrozzieri-italiani.com had the pleasure of featuring the original A112 Runabout as the protagonist on our YouTube series, Gentleman Garage, showcasing its unique place in automotive history and timeless design.
The Runabout’s futuristic style made waves in the automotive community, and its influence on future models cemented its legacy. Its participation at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August 2022 further highlighted this legacy, where it won the Gran Turismo Award in the Postwar Preservation Class, reaffirming its enduring significance in design and automotive history.
A New Era for Bertone
Now, Bertone, under the leadership of Jean-Franck and Mauro Ricci, is ready to bring the Runabout into the 21st century. This modern reinterpretation is set to be the first model in a new line, the Bertone Classic, which will honor and revive some of the brand’s most groundbreaking designs. Following the recent success of the GB110 hypercar, this model marks Bertone’s continued return as a high-end sports car manufacturer focused on innovation, heritage, and performance.
Andrea Mocellin: Breathing New Life into a Classic
To take on the challenge of reviving the Runabout, Bertone has enlisted the expertise of Andrea Mocellin, the designer responsible for the sleek lines of the GB110. Mocellin’s modern vision captures the essential geometry of the original Runabout while incorporating contemporary elements for today’s high-performance sports car market.
In a statement about the upcoming reveal, Mocellin explained: “The original Runabout was a lightweight Barchetta designed for pure driving pleasure, with its futuristic lines inspired by racing boats. The new Bertone Runabout carries forward that spirit of celebration—offering both collectors and connoisseurs a piece of automotive history, to be driven and enjoyed on the open road.”
Mocellin’s goal was to preserve the essence of Gandini’s 1969 design while bringing it into a new era. He emphasized that the Runabout’s iconic wedge shape, derived from just two clean, striking lines, remains at the heart of the car’s identity. However, the updated version will offer the cutting-edge performance and technology demanded by modern drivers.
October 29th: The Grand Unveiling
On October 29th, 2024, exactly 55 years after its original debut, Bertone will reveal the new Runabout to the world. This special anniversary event will offer a first look at the reimagined sports car, with full details and concept images that blend the past and future of automotive design. Enthusiasts, collectors, and the global automotive community eagerly await this modern tribute to a timeless classic.
The unveiling of the Bertone Runabout is more than just a nod to nostalgia—it represents the next chapter for the storied Italian brand. With a heritage of innovation and a legacy that has influenced some of the greatest designs in automotive history, the new Runabout sets the stage for Bertone’s continued resurgence as a leader in high-end, limited-edition sports cars.
As Bertone embraces its past to shape its future, the new Runabout will surely inspire the same level of awe and admiration that its predecessor did over half a century ago.
