1959 Berkeley SE 328
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Highlights
- Extensively restored by its previous owner, a skilled and experienced mechanic
- Rare and desirable four-wheeled version and the last ever known SE 328 Sports produced
- Offered in near-complete condition, affording the next owner the pleasure of returning this car to the road
The Appeal
Honing their fibreglass moulding skills in caravan manufacture, British company Berkeley were approached by engineer Lawrie Bond in 1956 with an idea to develop a compact, affordable sports car. Utilising front-wheel-drive and motorcycle-derived two-stroke propulsion, Berkeley’s cars were quite unique at the time and proved popular for road and competition use.
This 1959 example is rather special... declared the last manufactured / currently known SE 328 “Sports” to leave the factory by the Berkeley Enthusiasts Club. Presented in very good overall condition and enhanced by several upgrades, this rare, fascinating and fun sports car just needs some finishing touches before it can return to the road.
Unfamiliar with the workings of historic two-stroke engines, the vendor has opted to offer this car in untested, non-running condition, although the previous owner, (a skilled restorer), has carried out a great deal of work bringing it up to a high standard before ill health sadly prevented it from reaching completion.
Unfamiliar with the workings of historic two-stroke engines, the vendor has opted to offer this car in untested, non-running condition, although the previous owner, (a skilled restorer), has carried out a great deal of work bringing it up to a high standard before ill health sadly prevented it from reaching completion.
Recently inspected by the Berkeley Enthusiasts Club’s Vehicle Registrar to authenticate its provenance and ensure it could retain its original registration number, this near-finished project awaits its next custodian.
The History and Paperwork
- The car is the last manufactured /currently known Berkeley 'Sports' Type SE 328 ( Sports Excelsior 328cc ). The chassis number SE 328 / 1423 confirms this
- Features several aspects of the slightly later and increasingly rare B 65 model of which only around twenty were produced
- Retains its original dateless registration ‘476 FWL’
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- Original buff logbook present
- Accompanied by a substantial history file
- Various operation and repair instructions supplied
- Known to the Berkeley Enthusiasts Club for some years and recently inspected by their Registrar
- The previous owner had restored Minis and MGBs to near-Concours standard and decided to take on this very rare Berkeley ‘Sports’ Type SE 328 which was in poor condition
- The previous owner and his friend, along with the help and resources of the Berkeley Enthusiasts Club set about bringing the car up to a very high standard although ill health unfortunately prevented the project from reaching completion
- The vendor has opted to present the car in near-finished, non-running condition so the next owner can complete the last few remaining jobs
The Condition
- The fibreglass bodywork has been beautifully restored to a very high standard
- Tasteful (and removable) modifications include auxiliary fog lamps, a competition-inspired livery and wheel arch extensions
- Very nice paintwork, with very little notable imperfections
- Superbly retrimmed interior
- Restored dashboard
- All the instrumentation, controls and switchgear appears in good order although untested
- Complete with a tonneau cover
- A selection of spare parts includes a set of tyres, hub caps, and various other assorted components
- It is believed that the internal door hinges, fuel tank in the rear and bulge in the engine bay for the larger engine are unique to this example
The Mechanics
- 328 cc Excelsior twin-cylinder two-stroke engine
- Three-speed manual gearbox with reverse
- Bespoke exhaust system fitted
- Not currently in running order
- The drive chain is currently disconnected
- Off the road for at least three decades
- The vendor comments that the car is being sold as an uncompleted project requiring work and there may be additional faults which are not noted
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1959
- Make Berkeley
- Model SE 328
- Colour Red
- Odometer 18,153 Miles
- Engine size 328
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Sawbridgeworth
- Location Hertfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
13
bids
from 4
bidders
- ma•••• £6,500 05/02/24
- ma•••• £6,000 05/02/24
- co•••• £5,500 05/02/24
- ma•••• £5,000 05/02/24
- ma•••• £4,500 05/02/24
- co•••• £4,000 05/02/24
- Po•••• £3,600 05/02/24
- ma•••• £3,500 05/02/24
- co•••• £3,000 05/02/24
- ot•••• £2,800 05/02/24
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|---|---|
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