Skip to main content

Runge RS is a ’50s-Inspired, Handcrafted Masterpiece for Modern-Day Racers

“The world went and got itself in a big damn hurry.” – Brooks Hatlen, Shawshank Redemption

We’re not sure Brooks would’ve appreciated the cars of today. Most have gone soft, choosing to value comfort and convenience over the driving experience. Even today’s sports cars boast frilly accessories like automatic parking assist, heated seats, and Bluetooth stereos with satellite radio. Thankfully, one bootstrapped Midwest builder is reviving the dying art of the pure vintage racer, one beautifully handcrafted roadster at a time.

Runge Cars
Runge Cars

The body of the Runge RS is a modern masterpiece. From the side, the design appears to flow like mercury recalling the beautiful, curvy bodies of ‘50s-era Ferrari, Maserati, and Jaguar roadsters. Runge admits pulling heavily from the Porsche 550 Spyder and Porsche 718 RSK specifically.

Recommended Videos

Beneath the stunning polished aluminum, the RS is all business. Hearkening back to the racing days of yore, the steel tube-frame chassis supports a mid-mounted, air-cooled, flat-four engine pushing 159 horsepower. Mated to a four-speed “longbox” transaxle means it can more than hold its own on the freeway. The four-wheel disc brakes mean it stops plenty quick too.

Stepping into the two-seat cockpit feels like time-traveling a full six decades. The classic racing bucket seats, copious brown leather trim, and wood-rimmed steering wheel remind the driver this is no ordinary auto. The interior dispenses with the unnecessary “conveniences” standard in today’s modern sports cars. You won’t find cupholders, touchscreen navigation, or even a radio for that matter. Behind the wheel of a Runge RS, those become superfluous. This is a car that’s all about the unadulterated exhilaration and fun of the driving experience. The only notable accessories are a few vintage mechanical components and a single-man tonneau cover. Leave your latte at home.

Runge Cars RS
Runge Cars

Runge Cars was founded by Christopher Runge, a former professional snowboarder who abandoned the slopes for his one real passion: classic racecars. From his Minnesota garage, he handcrafts bespoke vintage-inspired, street-legal racers. Every car is built to the buyer’s specifications guaranteeing no two are alike. It’s no surprise that when the uber-wealthy — including car enthusiasts with Bond-villain levels of money and a stable of brand-name supercars — are looking for something truly unique, they look to RÜNGE.

Of his iconic Model T, Henry Ford once said, “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” Likewise, the Runge RS is only available in polished aluminum. RÜNGE Cars is taking just three orders per year for the Runge RS. Pricing is listed as “serious inquiries only.” We expect a price tag well into the six figures but, frankly, if you have to ask …

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Topics
Summer heat killers: EVs with the least range loss
Recurrent tracked the effect of summer heat on more than 29,700 electric vehicles.
Ford Mustang Mach-E

Suppose you are considering an EV purchase or lease this summer and are concerned about battery range during heat waves. In that case, the results of a new study published by EV analytics firm Recurrent Auto can provide valuable guidance. Recurrent calls out the winners and losers in EV range hot temperature-sensitivity.

It's safe to say that EV battery range is affected by extremes in temperature, both hot and cold. As is the case with most general statements, that one, too, is subject to multiple "buts" and "howevers." Most studies of the effects of extreme cold on EV battery range or how hot temperatures can hamper your travel plans report on average EV travel range differences collected across a wide variety of EV brands and models. Some compile results from thousands of EVs of the same brand.

Read more
Indigenous designer Jeremy Arviso creates limited-edition Indian Motorcycle streetwear line
Arivso blends Indian Motorcycle DNA and indigenous visual elements
The Jeremy Arviso limited indigenous streetwear collection for Indian Motorcycle.

Indian Motorcycle announced a collaboration with well-known indigenous streetwear designer Jeremy Arviso. This limited-edition collection brings together Arviso’s bold style and the adventurous spirit of Indian Motorcycle. The nine-piece lineup celebrates a deep connection to land, community, and tradition.
Why Arviso created the collection

"Creating such a meaningful, modern expression of Native American style with a legendary brand like Indian Motorcycle, is both an honor and a  privilege,” Arviso said. “For this collection, I drew inspiration from the brand DNA of Indian Motorcycle, while carefully integrating vibrant color and  indigenous visual elements that symbolize movement and direction throughout the collection. Adorned with arrow motifs, each piece embodies a deep connection to land, community, and heritage.”

Read more
Adidas and Mercedes-AMG F1 launch Silver Arrows fanwear collection before British Grand Prix
The Silver Arrow collection is on sale worldwide at select Adidas retailers and the Adidas website.
F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli wearing Mercedes fan wear with a Mercedes-Benz W196 racecar.

Working with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, Adidas launched the Silver Arrow pack, a collection of fanwear inspired by the Mercedes-Benz W196 race car. Current Mercedes F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posed with items from the Silver Arrow collection along with professional models.
Why celebrate the W196?

The W196 wasn't the first Silver Arrow. The first Mercedes to be called a Silver Arrow was the Mercedes W25, which debuted in 1934. However, driver Juan Fangio won the 1954 and 1955 F1 World Championships with the W196, which was among the several models referred to by the group name. The Adidas Silver Arrow collection celebrates the 70th anniversary of the W196's first F1 Championship season.

Read more