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News23 October 2024 by Andreas 101 Viewed

A Design Icon Returns: Bertone to Reintroduce the Runabout on Its 55th Anniversary

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.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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Prince Skyline Sport Allemano

The end of World War II left Japan in a difficult position, having to transition its industries from military production to civilian use. This challenge was particularly tough since Japan, like Germany and Italy, was a defeated nation. However, Japan’s ability to adapt would set the stage for one of the most exciting collaborations in automotive history.

Among the companies responsible for this transformation were Tachikawa and Nakajima, two of Japan’s leading aviation companies. Tasked with shifting to civilian production, Tachikawa (later known as Tokyo Electric Cars) began building electric cars in 1947. Their first model, the Tama, was followed by a slightly larger Junior, and eventually, the Senior.

In the early 1950s, Japan’s evolving automotive landscape saw a shift from electric-powered cars to gasoline engines. By the end of 1951, the Tama Senior was fitted with a 1.5-liter petrol engine, a shift that led to the creation of the Prince Sedan in 1952. This was the beginning of Prince Motor Company, which was named in honor of the official investiture of Crown Prince Akihito.

In 1954, Fuji Precision Machinery (formerly Nakajima) acquired Prince Motor Company and embarked on producing automobiles under the Prince brand. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Japan’s automotive history.

The Birth of the Skyline and the Search for European Inspiration

By the late 1950s, Prince Motor Company had gained recognition in Japan for its innovative vehicles, such as the Prince Sedan and the Skyline (introduced in 1957). However, the company sought to take their vehicles to a new level—focusing on luxury, performance, and innovation. To do so, they looked westward, to Europe, for inspiration.

Europe was home to some of the most prestigious automotive brands, and Fuji Precision Machinery executives wanted a vehicle that could rival the best of Europe. This aspiration led them to Italy, where they arranged a pivotal meeting at the Salone dell’Automobile (Turin Motor Show) with Carrozzeria Allemano, a respected coachbuilder with ties to Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti.

The collaboration between Japan and Italy led to the creation of the Prince Skyline Sport, a car that would redefine the trajectory of Japan’s automotive design. This groundbreaking partnership merged Japanese engineering with Italian artistry, setting a new standard for style and innovation. The success of this collaboration inspired other Japanese manufacturers to partner with Italy’s legendary design houses, creating some of the most iconic vehicles of the 1960s.

Mazda, for example, worked with Bertone, enlisting the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro to design the Familia, a compact car that skillfully blended European elegance with Japanese practicality. In 1963, Daihatsu teamed up with Vignale to produce the Compagno, along with its sporty variants: the Sport Spider and Coupé; which reflected a uniquely Italian flair. The following year, Pininfarina collaborated with Datsun to craft a sleek new look for the Bluebird, a move that helped the car gain global recognition. By 1965, Isuzu joined forces with Ghia to design the Bellett II, a concept car that showcased bold and forward-thinking design elements.

These partnerships went beyond aesthetics; they helped establish a global identity for Japanese automakers. By working with Italy’s most respected design houses, Japanese manufacturers gained fresh perspectives on styling while enhancing their reputation for innovation and quality. These collaborations not only transformed the appearance of Japanese cars but also elevated their appeal to international markets, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

A Handcrafted Masterpiece

Under the direction of Giovanni Michelotti, one of Italy’s most respected automotive designers, the Skyline Sport would be an example of high-end craftsmanship. Initially, the first series of prototypes were built by Carrozzeria Allemano, known for its hand-built bodies. Later, a second series of production would be completed by Carrozzeria Michelotti, adding the final touch to this luxury vehicle.

The Skyline Sport was designed as a two-door coupe with sleek, flowing lines and a sporty yet elegant appearance. Michelotti’s design incorporated canted headlights, angled downward at the inside corners—a feature seen in other high-end vehicles like the Lincoln Continental and Buick during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

At the heart of the Skyline Sport was a 1.9-liter GB-4 engine that generated 94 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 150 km/h. Despite weighing in at 1,350 kg, the car’s handling was remarkably smooth, thanks to a double-wishbone front suspension and a De Dion rear axle, technologies that were innovative for its time.

The Prince Skyline Sport: A Bold Statement

The Skyline Sport debuted at the 1960 Turin Motor Show, where it garnered international attention for its bold design and luxury features. Available in both a coupe and a convertible version, it was a striking example of Italian design combined with Japanese engineering. Its clean lines, striking front grille, and eye-catching details made it a standout at the show.

But its beauty was more than skin deep. The Skyline Sport was a car that delivered in terms of both aesthetics and performance. With its meticulously crafted body, luxurious interior, and advanced suspension, the car offered an exceptional driving experience that rivaled the finest European vehicles of the era.

The Prince Skyline Sport made its official appearance in Japan at the 1962 Tokyo Motor Show, where it was met with great enthusiasm due to its elegant lines and striking design. With its sleek coupe and convertible versions, the car showcased a perfect blend of Italian craftsmanship and Japanese engineering, captivating the crowd with its sophisticated aesthetic. However, the Skyline Sport came with a hefty price tag of 1.85 million yen, more than twice the cost of a standard sedan. This steep price limited its appeal in Japan’s domestic market, making it a rare and exclusive collector’s item. Despite its high price, the car gained significant exposure through its prominent feature in Toho films, strategically marketed to heighten its status as a luxury icon.

A Historic Collaboration and Legacy

The Prince Skyline Sport is historically significant as the first collaboration between an Italian designer and a Japanese automaker, setting a precedent for future cross-cultural partnerships in the automotive world. It was a testament to the universal appeal of Italian design and the skill of Michelotti and Carrozzeria Allemano. The Skyline Sport bridged cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing together the best of both worlds to create a truly exceptional car.

Though the Skyline Sport never achieved high sales numbers, with only 60 to 200 units produced, its impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. It paved the way for later models like the Skyline GT-R and helped establish the Prince Laurel, another model that would become iconic in Japan.

The Skyline Sport also marked the beginning of Prince Motor Company’s shift toward luxury vehicles. This emphasis on quality and refinement would continue after Nissan’s acquisition of Prince Motors in 1966, with the Skyline Sport serving as a precursor to future generations of luxury cars from Japan.

The Prince Skyline Sport was more than just a car—it was a statement of innovation, craftsmanship, and the power of international collaboration. The partnership between Giovanni Michelotti, Carrozzeria Allemano, and Prince Motor Company created a vehicle that showcased the best of both Italian design and Japanese engineering.

Though limited in production and availability, the Skyline Sport remains an important part of automotive history. It stands as a symbol of the potential for global partnerships to create groundbreaking designs, and its legacy continues to inspire the automotive world today.

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