Berkeley Cars Ltd was a British automotive manufacturer based in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, that produced innovative micro-sports cars between 1956 and 1960. The company arose from a collaboration between industrial designer Lawrence Bond and Charles Panter, the director of Berkeley Coachworks, which was one of Europe’s largest caravan manufacturers.
Utilising the factory’s expertise in glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), Berkeley manufactured some of the world’s first production cars with fibreglass monocoque construction. These lightweight, front-wheel-drive vehicles were powered by motorcycle engines ranging from 322cc to 692cc. The SA322 was debuted by racing legend Sir Stirling Moss.
Despite their motorsport success, excellent handling, and affordable pricing, production ceased after fewer than 4,100 cars were sold. The company suffered insolvency in late 1960 due to a market downturn and intense competition from the newly launched Mini.
Berkeley SA322 (B60); SE328 / B65
The SA322 (retrospectively “B60”) was Berkeley’s debut model, with a rather unreliable Anzani engine, replaced in 1957 by the SE328 with Excelsior powerplant. Too late, in late 1960, the B65 introduced a strengthened bodyshell.
Years
1956-61
Engine
322/328cc S2 TS Anzani/Excelsior
Body Style
Sportscar
Production
c. 2000
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Photo: Flickr
Berkeley SE492 Twosome (B90)
From late 1957, the B90 addressed user requests for more power, via a 3-cylinder Excelsior 2-stroke engine giving 30 bhp, and a top speed of 80 mph. Sadly, the extra power tended to cause structural cracking in the fibreglass monocoque.
Years
1957-59
Engine
322cc S2 TS Excelsior
Body Style
Sportscar / 4-seater sports
Production
Inc above
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Photo: Flickr
Berkeley B95 / B105
The B95 and B105 debuted in 1959, replacing 2-stroke engines with Royal Enfield 4-stroke parallel-twins. They incorporated a lengthened chassis and reinforced bulkhead to handle the heavy powertrain.The B105 featured a high-compression, twin-carb head, and did 100 mph.
Years
1959-61
Engine
692cc S2 OHV Royal Enfield
Body Style
Sportscar
Production
Inc above
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Photo: Flickr
Berkeley T60
The T60 was a successful 3-wheeled variant, so tax exempt and could be driven on a motorcycle licence. Front-wheel drive, like all Berkeleys.
Years
1959-61
Engine
328cc S2 TS Excelsior
Body Style
Sportscar
Production
c. 2500
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Photo: Flickr