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.

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

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✓ 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.

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