Berkeley Coachworks of Biggleswade in Bedfordshire, run by Charles Panter, was one of the largest caravan makers in Europe and had plenty of experience with glass-fibre. Looking for work to fill the quiet winter months, it teamed up with designer Lawrie Bond, and in 1956 launched a range of small sports cars.
Berkeleys were tiny, light, front-wheel-drive two-seaters with glass-fibre bodies and motorcycle-derived engines from 322cc to 692cc. The first, the Sports SA322, was built from 1956 to 1957, and larger-engined models such as the B95 and B105 followed. The T60 of 1959 to 1960, a three-wheeled version that could be driven on a motorcycle licence, was the best-seller, with around 1,800 made.
About 4,100 Berkeleys were built in all. When the caravan market collapsed at the end of the 1950s, Berkeley ran short of cash and went into liquidation in December 1960.
