Get ready to fall in love with a car that’s both a blast from the past and a bold leap into the future—Bertone’s new V6 retro sports car is here, and it’s turning heads with its iconic pop-up headlights. But here’s where it gets controversial: in an era dominated by sleek, modern designs, does this nostalgic nod to the past still have a place on today’s roads? Let’s dive in and find out.
This stunning vehicle comes in two distinct flavors: a roofless barchetta for the purists and a sleek targa model with a removable roof and a proper windshield. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just a retro remake; it’s a modern masterpiece built on a Lotus chassis, blending old-school charm with cutting-edge engineering. The heart of this beast? A supercharged Toyota V6 engine, paired with a manual gearbox featuring a gated shifter that’ll make driving enthusiasts swoon.
Inspired by Marcello Gandini’s 1969 Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept, this revival ditches its Fiat roots for a brand-new extruded and bonded aluminum platform. Combined with carbon-fiber body panels, the car weighs a mere 2,330 pounds—about the same as a Miata. Speaking of which, it’s roughly the same size as Mazda’s beloved sports car but sits lower to the ground, giving it a stance that’s both aggressive and elegant. The staggered wheel setup—18 inches up front and 19 inches at the rear—adds to its dynamic appeal.
Here’s the bold part: while the styling pays homage to the Fiat X1/9 and Gandini’s iconic wedge shapes, the carbon roof on the targa model is a subtle yet modern twist, preserving the retro vibe without feeling outdated. But how does a car with pop-up headlights meet today’s safety standards? That’s a question worth pondering.
Under the hood, the supercharged 3.5-liter V6 delivers a whopping 475 hp and 361 pound-feet of torque, propelling this lightweight machine to 62 mph in just 4.1 seconds. With a top speed of 168 mph and a double-wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers, it’s as much a performer as it is a showstopper.
Motor1’s Take: In a world of increasingly generic vehicles, the Bertone Runabout is a breath of fresh air. Even if it’s just wallpaper for your phone, it’s a stunning tribute to the wedge era. But let’s be real—with a price tag that might raise eyebrows, will it find its 25 buyers? We think so.
Now, we want to hear from you: Is this retro-modern hybrid a masterpiece or a missed opportunity? And how do you feel about pop-up headlights making a comeback? Let us know in the comments below!
Bertone’s Other New Car: Check out the 2026 Bertone Runabout Barchetta in our gallery. Source: Bertone. Take our 3-minute survey and tell us what you’d like to see on Motor1.com! – The Motor1.com Team
