bertone brings back 1969 runabout wedge car as nautical-styled vehicle with removable roof

Bertone’s 1969 runabout returns as modern wedge car

The classic 1969 Runabout wedge car from Bertone returns, retaining its nautical style while adding a removable roof. The 1960s wedge car was a design by the late Marcello Gandini, and its geometric and often sharp lines may recall his master signatures. The revamped Runabout car stays faithful to its older sibling but in a modernized style. The L-shape on the side highlights its wedge appeal, which starts from the roll bar and continues to the front. 

Even its bottom and the lines there mirror the classic design, the visual elements that give the Bertone model the nautical or watercraft look. Bertone says that the original Runabout model was more than just a concept. They see it as a revolutionary automotive design because, in their words, it inspired other car designs, including the FIAT X1/9 and Lancia Stratos. Decades after it was first introduced, the classic model earned the Gran Turismo Award at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and a couple of years later, Bertone revives it with a modern flair.

all images courtesy of Bertone

Open-air barchetta or targa with removable roof 

Aside from the return of the 1969 wedge design, Bertone also launches the CLASSIC line for the modern Runabout, now renamed as RUNABOUT aka with capital letters. The recent model comes in two configurations. The first is the Barchetta, which is an open-air setup for the wedge car, removing the roof and windshield. Its opposite is named the Targa, which features the removable roof so the driver can still choose whether or not to veil themselves with it.

For specs buffs, the wedge car is equipped with a V6 engine that allows for the RUNABOUT to speed away from 55 to 500 horsepower. Andrea Mocellin, Bertone’s lead designer, says that it’s quite a challenge maintaining the purity of the original 169 model while modernizing the wedge car with high-performance technology. ‘The new Bertone Runabout is a perfect blend of design heritage and modern performance, created for those who celebrate the good life and the pleasure of driving,’ he adds. Bertone’s RUNABOUT wedge car runs on limited units.

the classic 1969 Runabout car from Bertone makes a comeback

the L-shape on the side highlights its wedge appeal, which starts from the roll bar and continues to the front

rear view of the Bertone RUNABOUT wedge car

the 1960s wedge car was a design by the late Marcello Gandini

view of the 1969 model

project info:

name: RUNABOUT

company: Bertone | @bertone_official