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#MOBILITY

Bertone x Marcello Gandini: A Sci-Fi Fable

An odd film comes to mind, the 70s sci-fi comedy Barbarella. For those unfamiliar, it is set in a blurry space-time scenario, somewhere between Courrèges and Jane Fonda, directed by Roger Vadim, whom we’ve definitely seen more inspired. Aesthetically, however, this film says a lot about that period, and if we had to think of a car to embody it, our pick is clear. Marcello Gandini’s 1969 Runabout concept heralded a new direction regarding car design in the 70s. The open-top barchetta featured nautical-inspired lines and an angular profile that would define the look of Gandini’s later creations, such as the Lancia Stratos and Lamborghini Countach. From this glorious past, Bertone draws a rare fable that would put this nostalgic retro version on the road for 350,000 euros. Retro cars are indeed all the rage, but this version features a more distinctive design. Bertone returns to the Runabout with a refreshed design based on the 1969 original – only this time with doors and a removable hardtop. The new Runabout will be powered by a V6 with over 500bhp, compared with the modest in-line four with around 50bhp of the original. The Runabout is an integral part of Bertone’s famous Classic range, which is due to go into production in 2026.

Bertone x Marcello Gandini: A Sci-Fi Fable

An odd film comes to mind, the 70s sci-fi comedy Barbarella. For those unfamiliar, it is set in a blurry space-time scenario, somewhere between Courrèges and Jane Fonda, directed by Roger Vadim, whom we’ve definitely seen more inspired. Aesthetically, however, this film says a lot about that period, and if we had to think of a car to embody it, our pick is clear. Marcello Gandini’s 1969 Runabout concept heralded a new direction regarding car design in the 70s. The open-top barchetta featured nautical-inspired lines and an angular profile that would define the look of Gandini’s later creations, such as the Lancia Stratos and Lamborghini Countach. From this glorious past, Bertone draws a rare fable that would put this nostalgic retro version on the road for 350,000 euros. Retro cars are indeed all the rage, but this version features a more distinctive design. Bertone returns to the Runabout with a refreshed design based on the 1969 original – only this time with doors and a removable hardtop. The new Runabout will be powered by a V6 with over 500bhp, compared with the modest in-line four with around 50bhp of the original. The Runabout is an integral part of Bertone’s famous Classic range, which is due to go into production in 2026.