caravette

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 manufactured furniture. During the war, the factory also became involved in the production of parts for aircraft fuselages, primarily wooden frames. When peace came in 1945, aircraft production stopped and an alternative business had to be looked for to continue operating. The solution was to start producing caravans. This was a good solution. Now the factory could utilize both its own expertise and the remaining stock of parts from war production. The first models that came on 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. By 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 that time. In 1955, they began experimenting with glass fiber reinforced plastic and presented the first model made from 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.