Berkeley Cars Ltd of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, England produces small cars with engines of 322 cc and 700 cc between 1956 and 1960. In 1991, a new company, Promotions Berkeley, was formed to restore the original cars and in 1993 began building complete T60 models.
The company produced designs by Laurie Bond in Berkeley Body factory owned by Charles Panter caravans had been doing fiberglass. The first cars were exhibited at the London Motor Show 1956.
Four models were made with the number in the name that represents the maximum speed in miles per hour. Production stopped in 1960 and an attempted merger with Bond cars come to nothing.
The factory was later used by Kayser Bondor for women's underwear, but has now been demolished and the site handed over to housing.
Sports B60 and B65
The B60, which was initially produced as the type SA322, was a monocoque fiberglass two-seater open tourer initially driven by a double-cylinder Anzani 322 cc two-stroke engine producing 15 hp (11 kW, 15 PS ). Was transversely mounted and went to the front wheels via a chain and three speeds. The car had all round independent suspension by coil springs and, despite the small engine was very successful, due to its light weight (600 pounds - about 270 kg) and excellent adhesion. Girling hydraulic brakes with 7 mm (180) drums were used.
Although normally configured as two single seater seat, it was possible to put a toddler in the back. Removable hatch could be removed from behind the front seat, revealing a compartment that normally contains the spare wheel and some space for luggage. This could be equipped with a base seat and the spare wheel moved to a platform in front of the passengers and the fascia. The equipment was basic, but the fuel gauge was a bonus.
After 146 cars SA322 was a change was made for the SA328 model offering an Excelsior engine of 328 cc 18 hp (13 kW, 18 PS). About 1,300 were made, many are exported to the United States. The export model is distinguished by having the lights separately while in the domestic market were dealt in the wings, although export type lamps may be specified.
The magazine tested a 328 cc engine from Berkeley in 1957 and found a maximum speed of 62.1 mph (99.9 km / h) and acceleration of 0-50 mph (80 km / h) in 30.6 seconds. The fuel consumption of 58.3 miles per imperial gallon (4.85 l/100 km, 48.5 mpg-US) has been registered. The test car is £ 574 in the housing market, including taxes of £ 152. [2]
The last 10 cars were known as B65 and had a stronger body and four-speed. Top speed was just over 60 mph (97 km / h).
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