Pop-Up Headlights Make a Bold Return with Bertone’s Stunning 2026 Runabout Supercar
In a world dominated by sleek LED arrays and minimalist design language, few could have predicted the glorious return of the iconic pop-up headlights. But Italian design house Bertone is defying trends and expectations with their jaw-dropping 2026 Runabout—a limited-run, mid-engine sports car that not only boasts a roaring V-6 engine but also resurrects the pop-up headlamp with unapologetic flair. If you’re a nostalgic petrolhead with a taste for rarity and high-performance engineering, this could be the most exciting announcement of the year.
A Neo-Retro Dream Machine
The 2026 Bertone Runabout is a striking fusion of futuristic styling and retro homage. Inspired by the radical aesthetics of the 1970s, this open-top masterpiece captures the essence of driving passion and old-school cool. Bertone describes it as a “neo-retro masterpiece”—and with only 25 units slated for production, exclusivity is practically guaranteed.
At its heart is a mid-mounted V-6 engine delivering an impressive 460 horsepower, enabling exhilarating performance that aligns with its aggressive styling. The Runabout will come in two distinct body styles: the Barchetta, for purists who love an open-air driving experience, and the Targa, featuring a more practical large windshield and a removable hardtop roof.
Daring Design, Rebellious Spirit
One glance is all it takes to fall for the Runabout. From the elegantly sculpted DRL bar that slices across the front nose, to the strong, angular body lines, Bertone’s new model blends muscular presence with artistic finesse. The L-shaped body profile, exaggerated rear haunches, and twin circular taillights all echo the brand’s classic DNA while simultaneously forging a bold path forward.
Perhaps most intriguing is the return of pop-up headlights, a feature long considered extinct due to modern pedestrian safety regulations. Bertone may be leveraging the car’s low production volume (just 25 examples) to qualify for special exemptions or may simply be targeting regions with more lenient rules. Either way, it's a bold design choice that reintroduces character to a largely homogenized sports car market.
Limited Edition Luxury
Buyers will be offered a choice of three elegant color palettes:
- Rame Antico: a rich, copper-inspired hue
- Azzurro Mediterraneo: a vivid Mediterranean blue
- Bianco Perla: a sophisticated pearlescent white
These shades, paired with the custom craftsmanship Bertone is known for, cement the Runabout as a collector’s dream. As part of the Bertone Classic Collection, this model symbolizes a new era for the storied marque—one where art and performance meet in breathtaking harmony.
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Bertone Runabout comes with a starting price of €350,000, or approximately $369,000 USD. Pre-orders are currently open, with deliveries expected by mid-2026. Given its limited run, demand is expected to outpace supply—especially among enthusiasts, collectors, and those yearning for a break from cookie-cutter automotive design.
If you're tired of cars that all look the same and long for the return of drama, distinction, and daring, the Bertone Runabout might just be your next garage jewel.
For more updates on revolutionary vehicles and bold design revivals, visit us at www.nestfact.com — where innovation and style drive the future.
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