Sometimes an advertisement can present a wealth of information yet leave some details mysterious. In this case, the “what” is obvious: a pair of beautiful Berkeley roadsters, one 1959 and one 1958, listed here on Craigslist. The “where” is clear: Vacaville, California, just up the highway from Fairfield and, coincidentally, not too far from Berkeley. It’s the “how” and “how much” that are a little vague. Two prices are listed for the cars and assorted parts, $8,500 and $7,500. So which is it, and is it for one or both? Any way you slice it, we’re talking about some rare and quirky British sports cars, which is good enough to start the conversation.
The Berkeley roadsters sprang from the pen of Lawrie Bond, who began his career as an aircraft designer and engineer. Following the war, he closed up his operations in Blackpool, moving 20 miles inland to Longridge, where he began designing and building race cars. But it wasn’t until 1948 that he first ventured into the world of consumer vehicles, unveiling the three-wheeled Bond Minicar. Powered by a small two-stroke motorcycle engine, the economical car made an impression on a motoring public that was still contending with rationing and pool petrol. Having sold this initial design to Sharp’s Commercials, it was only natural that Bond would turn again to a two-stroke powerplant for his first foray featuring four wheels: the Berkeley roadster.
This time Bond turned to Berkeley Coachworks, a company that made fiberglass travel trailers, for help in manufacturing his car. The resulting front-wheel drive convertible evolved over several years, progressing from the two-cylinder engines of the earlier SE322 and SE328 to the 492cc, three-cylinder Excelsior engine found in (or, in one case, out of) these examples. While this provided only 30 hp, the contemporary Austin-Healey Sprite only made 43, and the Berkeley is half the weight of the Bugeye. Top speed is reportedly 80 mph, though it would not surprise me to see the needle climb a little higher.
From the photos, these two cars look to be a Berkeley enthusiast’s dream, exhibiting beautiful– if not flawless– paint, serviceable interiors, and, crucially, a healthy supply of spare parts. From the ad, the 1959 car, in green, seems to have the title while the red ’59 has the engine. It’s worth clarifying whether the younger car’s engine is out or missing: the Excelsior engines are not terribly easy to find. In the meantime, though, any number of more powerful and modern motorcycle engines might be installed. Fiberglass bodies mean little in the way of rust, and the light weight and small size should make maintenance considerably less burdensome. And in an age where gas prices are once again becoming a serious concern, maybe it’s time for some economical fun.
I could see one of these with a 79 Honda CBX six cylinder motor. Six into one open header, or like mine a six into six. Mine sounds like a formula one car.
Terry, That sounds like a great idea! What a shocker it would be without just being insanely overpowered.
What kind of brakes does the Berkeley have ? The rims look like drum brakes are built into them.
Pretty sure it’s drums all the way around– common for the time. But again, it’s not a lot of mass to stop, so…
What kind of brakes does the Berkeley have ? It looks like drum brakes are built into the rims.
Drums all round – and the rims have five lugs which bolt up to the drums.
I hope the seats are very comfy because once I sat down in the car I would never be able to get out again!
Excelsior …. fuggedaboudit! …. This car begs for a small block V8 ….. now that would surprise the local yokels who would look down their noses at it. Or, less likely, maybe a motor (not engine) out of a wrecked/totaled Tesla ….
Cut little cars. Back in the day, a buddy of mine in Ft. Hood, Tx had a 3-wheeler, great fun car to scoot around in. I too think, installing a modern day motorcycle powerplant with around 350 to 400 cc´s would be the way to go. To install a larger one would be unwise, since neither the suspension nor the brakes would support that much power – it would turn this pretty little sports car into a suicide machine.
Drums all around and no trouble stopping. The wheels bolt straight to the drums..my T60 ( 3 wheeler..same car to the back of the doors and then tapers to a boat tail)) had finned drums. These are beautiful cars but a little fragile because of the light weight. These two seem like a rare deal.I’m tempted.By the way the correct pronounciation is the British BARkley..Not BERkley like you Yanks say! Very active club..the Berkeley Enthusiasts Club that is a must join for owners…or Berk fans.
I don’t know what’s rarer today – these cars or the ultra thin bluewall/ RWL goodyears i see! …
https://images.craigslist.org/00101_2YzIT5AFi5uz_0CI0t2_1200x900.jpg
I was thinking one could put a 750cc Kawasaki triple in this, which would be a period engine which one could have installed. 74HP would be more than double the power, and I bet it would be lighter if those cylinders actually are cast iron as they appear to me.
MIGHT even get away with vintage racing in H-Modified under some organizations.
I bought a 59 Berkley maybe 6 years ago. I was amazed how small and fragile it was. My thoughts where to go with a Honda 400 ss motor but time never allowed it. sold it to a guy back east. That red one almost looks like it. It had a weird whole in the hood-red outside black inside
I think these things would be fun figuring out the drive train possibilities would be interesting
Looks like a load of fun to drive and build
GOTTA find me one of these! H-Mod, here I come!
Something every Berkeley buyer needs to know, these cars are literally built like an airplane. Not much frame structure, and hollow fiberglass body structure. Everyone envisions swapping a high horsepower engine into it but hold your horses. The front wheel drive suspension, specifically the A-arms are literally 14” strap metal. Anything more than 20 hp would twist the suspension mounts right out of the fiberglass body. There’s a reason this car only weighs 700 pounds. I brought mine (originally my dad’s) home in the back of my pickup. It’s cute as heck but just a garage trophy for fear of breaking something irreplaceable.
I think it is $7500 for the green one and $8500 for the red one, FWIW. In looking at the engine compartment, it looks like there is a gear that drives the front wheels probably with a chain from the engine – is that right?
This is killing me. I’m 61 inches and 45kg or 90lbs. I would love to build a mini cobra out of this car but I’m on disability and therefore a low hobby budget. I’m not very good at mechanics because I’m not very strong but if I could get a low price like these are going on the auctions, I’d acouple one up immediately. There is one close to me in Vancouver but asking 7500 for 4 years changing the area around everytime he relists it. If anyone knows of a cheap one, please message me. I’d love to drop a small gas or make it into an electric car for fun. I’d be the only woman in Canada with one of these