Description
1959 BERKLEY T60 ROADSTER (THREE WHEELER)Registration number: 859 FYDChassis number: 324Engine number: 11318Odometer reading: 85, 581 milesFinished in British Racing Green with a beautifully contrasting red leather interior, this charming 1959 Berkeley T60 Roadster is a particularly characterful example of one of Britain’s most distinctive and innovative post-war sports cars. Previously restored during the long-term stewardship of a former lady owner, it remains a striking and highly individual little car, certain to attract attention wherever it goes. Designed by Lawrie Bond, of Minicar fame, the Berkeley was manufactured by Berkeley Coachworks in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, between 1956 and 1961. Having established its reputation through the production of glassfibre caravans, the company applied its expertise in this material to create an innovative range of lightweight sporting cars. Advanced for their time, these featured front-wheel drive, transverse-mounted engines and glassfibre monocoque construction with localised aluminium reinforcement. Introduced in 1959, the T60 became Berkeley’s most successful model, with approximately 1, 780 examples produced before the company’s demise in 1961. Power is provided by a 328cc Excelsior Talisman air-cooled, two-stroke parallel-twin engine, driving through a four-speed manual gearbox with reverse. Its remarkably light construction and unconventional three-wheel layout, with two wheels at the front and a single rear wheel, gave the T60 a distinctive character and surprisingly lively performance. Contemporary road testers were particularly impressed by the little Berkeley’s spirited acceleration, secure handling and remarkable economy. In its report published on 15 October 1959, The Motor Cycle praised the engine’s willingness to work hard, noting that acceleration became particularly impressive from around one-third throttle opening. A standing quarter-mile was covered in 26. 6 seconds without a passenger, a respectable achievement for such a diminutive machine. The tester also commended its ample head and legroom, generous stowage space, excellent braking and comfortable cruising speed of around 50mph, while recording fuel consumption of just under 60mpg. Its road holding was singled out for particular praise, the tester observing that, despite its three-wheel configuration, the Berkeley displayed remarkably reassuring road manners. This example benefits from a number of attractive features, including new red leather upholstery, matching carpets, a new black hood and hood frame, a green canvas tonneau cover and new Perspex side screens. The combination of British Racing Green paintwork and red leather gives the car considerable visual appeal, while its distinctive proportions and unusual engineering ensure that it stands apart from more conventional sporting classics. The odometer currently displays 85, 581 miles. The Berkeley starts and runs, although some modest recommissioning should be anticipated following a period in storage. It is offered with its original buff logbook and a current V5 registration document. Today, the Berkeley T60 occupies a special place in the history of British microcars, representing a period when ingenuity, lightweight construction and unconventional thinking produced some of the most individual vehicles ever to emerge from the British motor industry. Increasingly uncommon, these enterprising little sports cars offer an appealing alternative to more familiar classics and are ideally suited to historic motoring events, sympathetic use or inclusion in a collection of unusual and significant vehicles. A rare and thoroughly engaging British classic, combining innovative engineering, surprisingly spirited performance and unmistakable 1950s charm. A delightful three-wheeler guaranteed to raise a smile and turn heads wherever it appears.This vehicle is located near from Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 where it will need to be collected. Videos available on request. Viewing is by appointment, please contact the office to arrange.
