Flip lights, pop-up lights, or whatever you call them, they are back! At least the folks at Bertone are going for it. The next in long line of Bertone’s wonders is the Bertone Runabout. The super-limited supercar proudly wears the once-beloved flip-lights of a bygone era in a tip-of-the-hat to a design from 1969.
The 2026 Bertone Runabout is a mid-engine, V6-powered, open-top smile machine making 460 horsepower, available in both Barchetta and Targa configurations. Unfortunately, only a lucky few will ever see a Runabout frolicking in the wild, much less own one; Bertone is only doing 25 of these, making these little gumdrops rarer’n hen’s teeth.
Pop-Up Lights Are Back But Might Be Illegal
Those pop-up headlights. With pedestrian safety regulations making the little surprises all but dead, it’s unclear how Bertone plans to get around the rules. Given the ultra-limited production, it may qualify for a regulatory loophole, but one thing is certain: don’t expect to see many (or any) around here (U.S.), which is nothing short of a pity. I think we could all use a little more of what the Bertone is selling here in the Land of the Free; elegance, precision, intention, and joy.
”The new Bertone RUNABOUT is not just a car but a tribute to Italy’s tradition of iconic sports cars. Crafted with precision, it celebrates pure geometry and design with only two defining lines—capturing the essence of elegance and the joy of driving.” Design Lead Andrea Mocellin.
However, all that joy might be a little outdated. The Bertone Runabout draws its design inspiration from the Runabout Concept, which debuted at the Turin International Motor Show in 1969. The new Runabout is a clear descendant, only distinguishable from a few subtle modern design cues.
Bertone Runabout Colors
The Runabout will be offered in three colors—Rame Antico (copper), Azzurro Mediterraneo (blue), and Bianco Perla (pearlescent ivory). Its design takes inspiration from classic Bertone styling, featuring a sleek DRL bar, a distinctive L-shaped profile, and aggressive rear ventilation for its mid-mounted engine. Needless to say, but worth it to record; this thing is covered head-toe in cool.
Bertone is calling this a “neo-retro masterpiece.” What the company’s statement lacks in humility it makes up for in being true. Look at it. The Roundabout kicks off the new Bertone Classic Collection. Pre-orders are open now, with deliveries expected in mid-2026.
The Bertone Roundabout starts at a cool €350,000 (about $369,000).
Source: Bertone, MotorTrend
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