Lots of fun with a small engine
The manufacturer of the car (Berkeley Coachworks) was started in 1946. The owners of the new factory had previously produced furniture. During the war, the factory was also involved in the production of parts for airframes, primarily wooden frames. When peace came in 1945, aircraft production stopped and people had to look for alternative business to continue. The solution was to start production of caravans. This was a good solution. Now the factory could utilize both its own expertise and use the remaining stock of parts from wartime production. The first models to hit the market were modern and streamlined, while competitors had models with angular and old-fashioned designs. Modern design and high quality in terms of materials and workmanship were the hallmarks of the first models. In 1950, the factory had a large product range that covered all parts of the market. Berkeley was probably the world's largest manufacturer of caravans at the time. In 1955, they began experimenting with glass fiber reinforced plastic and presented the first model made of this material in 1956. With the new expertise, the road to car production was not long.
Berkeley came on the market with a small sports car in 1956 at a time when several similar cars saw the light of day.
Light constructions and very small engines provided speed and entertainment. The first models were equipped with an engine of only 322 ccm which delivered 15 horses. Later there were models with a slightly larger engine and more horsepower. Although the car was small, it was technically advanced. It was equipped with front-wheel drive and a transverse engine. Fiberglass bodywork with aluminum braces ensured stability. Independent suspension on all wheels and a low center of gravity ensured that this small car really had good driving characteristics. Small and quick - the car was made for competition driving. Several of those who competed wanted more speed. Especially the customers in the USA were eager and they also believed that the small car deserved a bigger engine. It came and gave the car somewhat better top speed and acceleration.
A larger engine opened up new possibilities
The factory launched a new four-seater variant with a slightly larger body. Now it had become a family sports car with 4 seats. But the new model was not a success and only a few cars were sold. Management at Berkeley understood that customers wanted sports cars, not family cars with more seats. The solution was to further develop the sports car that was already in production. A new model with a slightly changed appearance came in 1959. But the most important thing was that it got a bigger engine with more horsepower. The result was a higher top speed (150 km/h) and better acceleration. The idea was now to introduce a completely new model with a larger engine in 1961. The new model was to have the same engine that was used in the Ford Anglia. The construction was completely new with a traditional steel body.
But the market for caravans collapsed in 1960 and the factory was hit hard financially. The result was bankruptcy in 1961 and no more cars were produced.
Data Berkeley sports car 1956
Engine 2 cylinders 327 ccm – 18 hp.
Top speed 115 km/h.
Length: 313 cm.
Width 128 cm.
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Anders de Lange
Anders de Lange writes about car history. He has written about cars and car history for over 30 years, published his own books and written for the Norwegian car press.