{{Short description|Concept car designed by Bertone}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Autobianchi A112 Runabout | image = 1969 Autobianchi 112 Bertone Concept Car.jpg | caption = | manufacturer = | aka = Autobianchi Bertone Runabout | production = 1969 | model_years = | assembly = | designer = Marcello Gandini at Bertone | class = Concept car | body_style = Barchetta | layout = Transverse mid-engine, rear wheel drive | platform = Autobianchi A112 | related = | engine = {{cvt|1116|cc|L|1}} I4 | transmission = 4-speed manual | propulsion = | wheelbase = {{cvt|NNNN|mm|in|1}} | length = {{cvt|NNNN|mm|in|1}} | width = {{cvt|NNNN|mm|in|1}} | height = {{cvt|NNNN|mm|in|1}} | weight = {{cvt|NNN|-|NNNN|kg|lb|0}} | predecessor = | successor = | sp = us }}
The '''Autobianchi A112 Runabout''' is a concept car developed by Bertone and first shown in 1969. The small two-seat, mid-engined car was the inspiration for the Fiat X1/9 that appeared in 1972.
==History== In 1967 designer Pio Manzù showed his mid-engined ''Prototipo 111'' based on the transverse powertrain from the Autobianchi A111 sedan, and one year later displayed his ''Autobianchi Coupé'' at the Turin Auto Show. A similar design that used the powertrain from the Autobianchi Primula was done by Dante Giacosa at Società industriale ricerche automobilistiche (SIRA - Automotive Industry Research Company), with initial fabrication done by OSI, and a full prototype called the ''G31'' built later by Centro Stylo Fiat in 1969.<ref name="hemmings-otas"/><ref name="simoni"/> left|thumb|Designer Marcello Gandini with the Runabout The Autobianchi A112 Runabout was designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone. This small barchetta used the same transverse mid-engine layout as the much larger and more exotic Lamborghini Miura of 1966, which had also been designed by Gandini. The Runabout also exhibited the pronounced wedge shaped profile that would distinguish many of Gandini's designs from this time, including the 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo.<ref name="cdn-may2015"/>
With Fiat planning the end of the Fiat 850 product line, Bertone needed a car to replace the 850 Spider that it was building for Fiat at their Grugliasco factory. Around this time there was also growing concern that the United States would shortly implement rollover safety requirements that would effectively ban traditional convertibles.<ref name="hse-aug2011"/>
The Runabout, with chassis number 41258, debuted at the 1969 Turin Auto Show, which ran from 29 October 1969 to 9 November 1969.<ref name="amp-history"/><ref name="carstyling"/>
Gianni Agnelli saw the Runabout in 1971, and approved developing it into the X1/9.<ref name="ptrlcs-feb2020"/>
In September 2015 ownership of the Runabout passed to Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI - "Italian Historical Automobile Club"), when the club acquired the Bertone Carrozzeria collection.<ref name="srm-retro2020"/><ref name="amp-history"/>
On August 20, 2022, the Runabout participated in the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, entered into the L-2 Postwar Preservation Class, and was named the winner of the Gran Turismo special award by Kazunori Yamauchi.<ref name="gtp-aug2022"/>
==Features== thumb|left|Bertone Runabout concept The overall shape of the car was inspired by the racing boats of the mid-1960s.<ref name="lamanovella"/><ref name="carstyling"/> The hood was long and flat with a tapering central indentation and an Autobianchi badge inset just back of the tip. There was also a full-length indented feature at the plimsoll-line. The car's rear aspect was reminiscent of a boat's transom with a shallow well. The front overhang was long, but the rear was short. The wide, low profile tires and wheels were enclosed under nearly flat wheel arches.<ref name="routeclassiche"/> There were no doors on the passenger or driver sides.<ref name="csc-jun2018"/> The only items above the sill line were a low clear curved wind deflector and a foil-shaped forward-swept rollbar similar in appearance to the radar arches on some boats. The rollbar gave the car the appearance of a targa top. The headlamps were not mounted in the nose of the car. Instead they were in prominent nacelles incorporated into the lower legs of the rollbar/arch, behind the occupants' seats.<ref name="routeclassiche"/><ref name="carstyling"/>
On the interior, the only instrumentation was a speedometer, in the style of a nautical compass, mounted in the centre of the top of the dashboard.<ref name="hagerty-feb2020"/><ref name="routeclassiche"/>
Although named for the Autobianchi A112 Supermini and retaining that car's transverse engine configuration, the Runabout did not use the A112's Tipo 100 overhead valve engine. Instead, it received the new-for-1969 Fiat 128 SOHC engine that had been developed for the Fiat 128 by former Ferrari engine designer Aurelio Lampredi.<ref name="carstyling"/> This engine featured a cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder head and a belt-driven single overhead camshaft. The engine in the Runabout displaced {{cvt|1116|cc|cuin|1}}.<ref name="hagerty-feb2020"/><ref name="lamanovella"/> It was mated to a transverse four speed manual transmission.
==Influence== Some point to the G31 as leading to the X1/9.<ref name="hemmings-otas"/><ref name="simoni"/> Others suggest that the 1971 De Tomaso 1600 Spider, which was startlingly similar to the later X1/9, was the predecessor. In the De Tomaso's case it has been suggested that this was either imitation as a form of flattery, or an elaborate joke at Fiat's expense.<ref name="gallerani"/><ref name="heseltine"/><ref name="laburla"/><ref name="gemelli"/><ref name="ci-dt1600"/> Regardless, the Runabout is generally considered to have been the inspiration for the X1/9, which is how it was described on Bertone's own website.<ref name="hagerty-feb2020"/><ref name="bertone-x19"/>
Elements of the Runabout's design have also been noted in the subsequent Lancia Stratos.<ref name="lamanovella"/><ref name="ac-may2020"/><ref name="msm-apr1985"/>
== Bertone Runabout == In 2026, Bertone introduced the Runabout, the first model in their "Bertone Classic" range, which they call a "neo-retro" take on the original A112 Runabout concept. The Runabout is limited to 25 units, offered in both barchetta and targa body styles, and features a rear mid-mounted 3.5 L supercharged V6 engine, sourced from Toyota. This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and produces {{Convert|468|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, which allows it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.1 seconds,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Runabout Specifications |url=https://bertone.it/runabout-specifications/ |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=Bertone |language=en-US}}</ref> and reach a top speed of almost 170 mph.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The all-new Bertone RUNABOUT – a neo-retro masterpiece|url=https://bertone.it/runabout/|access-date=2026-05-26|website=Bertone|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 January 2026 |url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/first-look/glorious-bertone-runabout-back-and-time-its-a-v6-engined-lightweight |title=The glorious Bertone Runabout is back, and this time it's a V6-engined lightweight |website=Top Gear |last=Ford|first=Tom}}</ref>
==Gallery== {{gallery |File:Bertone169 (27092062407).jpg|Cabin and rollbar
|File:Bertone170 (41061762585).jpg|Interior|File:Bertone171 (41061761695).jpg|Rear view || |}}
==References== <references>
<ref name="hemmings-otas">{{cite web |last=McCourt |first=Mark J. |date=July 2011 |url=https://www.hemmings.com/blog/article/exciting-etceterini-1971-o-t-a-s-820-grand-prix/ |title=Exciting Etceterini – 1971 O.T.A.S. 820 Grand Prix |website=www.hemmings.com | archive-date=2022-09-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912204423/https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/exciting-etceterini-1971-o-t-a-s-820-grand-prix | url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="simoni">{{cite web |last=Simoni |first=Mario |date=7 January 2019 |url=https://ruoteclassiche.quattroruote.it/fiat-x1-9-la-roadster-che-piacque-allavvocato/ |title=Fiat X1/9, la roadster che piacque all'Avvocato |trans-title=Fiat X1/9, the roadster that the lawyer liked |language=it |website=ruoteclassiche.quattroruote.it }}</ref>
<ref name="cdn-may2015">{{cite web |last=Dachet |first=Flavien |date=5 May 2015 |url=https://www.cardesignnews.com/cars/concept-car-of-the-week-lancia-stratos-zero-1970/24944.article |title=Concept Car of the Week: Lancia Stratos Zero (1970) |website=Car Design News }}</ref>
<ref name="hse-aug2011">{{cite magazine |last=LaChance |first=Dave |date=August 2011 |title=X Squared — 1979 Fiat X1/9 |url=https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/x-squared-1979-fiat-x1-9 |magazine=Hemmings Sports and Exotics }}</ref>
<ref name="amp-history">{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |url=https://www.automotivemasterpieces.com/1969autobianchirunaboutsn41258/history.html |title=1969 Autobianchi Runabout |website=Automotive Masterpieces exhibitions lab }}</ref>
<ref name="carstyling">{{cite web |url=http://www.carstyling.ru/en/car/1969_autobianchi_runabout/ |title=1969 Autobianchi Runabout (Bertone) |website=www.carstyling.ru }}</ref>
<ref name="ptrlcs-feb2020">{{cite web |last=Byles |first=Alexander |date=11 February 2020 |url=https://petrolicious.com/articles/the-fiat-x1-9-is-still-one-of-the-most-fun-and-accessible-mid-engined-cars-out-there |title=The Fiat X1/9 Is Still One Of The Most Fun And Accessible Mid-Engined Cars Out There |website=Petrolicious }}</ref>
<ref name="srm-retro2020">{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |url=https://www.retromobile.com/Visitors/Exhibitions-and-events/Events-2020/The-Show-will-include-a-highly-memorable-exhibition-the-fabulous-ASI-Bertone-collection |title=The Show will include a highly memorable exhibition: the fabulous ASI Bertone collection |website=Salon Retro Mobile }}</ref>
<ref name="lamanovella">{{cite magazine |last=Valentini |first=Roberto |date=February 2016 |title=Dalla nautica l'ispirazione per la X1/9 |trans-title=The inspiration for the X1/9 comes from boating |url=http://www.asifed.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Bertone-Runabout.pdf |magazine=La Manovella |access-date=15 October 2019 }}</ref>
<ref name="gtp-aug2022">{{cite web |url=https://www.gtplanet.net/gran-turismo-trophy-2022-pebble-beach-20220821/ |title=Autobianchi A112 Bertone Concept Wins Gran Turismo Trophy at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance |last=Evans |first=Andrew |date=21 August 2022 |website=GTPlanet |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>
<ref name="routeclassiche">{{cite magazine |last=Stassano |first=Andrea |date=September 2003 |title=Barchetta o navetta? |trans-title=Barchetta or shuttle? |language=it |url=https://ruoteclassiche.quattroruote.it/barchetta-o-navetta/ |magazine=Ruoteclassiche |number=177 |pages=62–65 }}</ref>
<ref name="csc-jun2018">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=1969 Autobianchi A112 Runabout |url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/classic-sports-car/20180601/284176516516867 |magazine=Classic & Sports Car |date=1 June 2018 }}</ref>
<ref name="hagerty-feb2020">{{cite web |last=Glon |first=Ronan |date=12 February 2020 |url=https://www.hagerty.com/media/news/9-of-bertones-most-bizarre-concept-cars/ |title=9 of Bertone's most bizarre concept cars }}</ref>
<ref name="gallerani">{{cite web |last=Gallerani |first=Vittorio Falzoni |date=20 August 2018 |url=http://www.peritoautodepoca.it/2018/08/20/fiat-x-19-e-autobianchi-bertone-runabout/ |title=FIAT X 1/9 e Autobianchi – Bertone – Runabout |trans-title=Fiat X1/9 and Autobianchi Bertone Runabout |website=www.peritoautodepoca.it |language=it }}</ref>
<ref name="heseltine">{{cite web |last=Heseltine |first=Richard |date=8 July 2018 |url=https://news.yahoo.com/alessandro-tomaso-genius-dreamer-plotter-082204352.html |title=Alessandro de Tomaso: genius, dreamer, plotter and schemer |website=news.yahoo.com }}</ref>
<ref name="laburla">{{cite web |date=4 January 2007 |url=http://www.x1-9.it/detomaso.htm |title=La burla di De Tomaso |trans-title=De Tomaso's Joke |language=it |website=www.x1-9.it }}</ref>
<ref name="gemelli">{{cite web |last=Gemelli |first=Fabio |url=https://www.autoblog.it/post/6464/quando-la-concept-e-un-po-copiata |title=Quando la concept... è un po' copiata |trans-title=When the concept ... is a bit copied |language=it |website=www.autoblog.it }}</ref>
<ref name="ci-dt1600">{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |url=https://www.carrozzieri-italiani.com/listings/de-tomaso-1600-spider/ |title=De Tomaso — 1600 Spider |website=Carrozzieri Italiani }}</ref>
<ref name="bertone-x19">{{cite web |url=http://www.bertone.it/scheda_70_fiatx19.htm |title=Fiat X 1/9 |date=2006 |access-date=24 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060605102917/http://www.bertone.it/scheda_70_fiatx19.htm |language=it |archive-date=5 June 2006 }}</ref>
<ref name="ac-may2020">{{cite web |last=Dickson |first=Ian |date=12 May 2020 |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/slideshow/bertone%E2%80%99s-cars-great-and-glorious#9 |title=Bertone's cars: The great and the glorious |website=Autocar }}</ref>
<ref name="msm-apr1985">{{cite magazine |last=Cruickshank |first=Gordon |date=April 1985 |title=Lancia Stratos |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/april-1985/54/lancia-stratos |magazine=Motor Sport }}</ref>
</references>
==Further reading== * {{cite magazine |date=January 1970 |title=Bertone Runabout Autobianchi |magazine=Auto Style |volume=24 }}
==External links== {{commons category|Autobianchi A112 Runabout}} * {{cite web |url=http://www.autobianchi.altervista.org/prototipii.html |title=*The prototypes of Autobianchi* |website=www.autobianchi.altervista.org }}
Category:Autobianchi vehicles Category:Bertone concept vehicles Category:Roadsters Category:Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles Category:Cars introduced in 1969