Lot number | 11 |
---|---|
Hammer value | £2,800 |
Description | Berkeley T60 |
Registration | 872 KKM |
Year | 1960 |
Colour | Yellow |
Engine size | 328 cc |
Chassis No. | 1083 |
Engine No. | 12307 |
Berkeley sports cars were manufactured between 1956 and 1960 at the Berkeley Coach Works factory in Biggleswade, which at the time was one of the largest manufacturers of caravans in Europe.
It was an ideal project for Berkeley, who had developed considerable skills in the use of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), and were looking for something to fill the gap in the very seasonal caravan market. Designed by Lawrence ‘Lawrie Bond of Bond Minicar fame, the Berkeley T60 was introduced in September 1959 and was a three-wheeled variant to add to Berkeley’s range of four-wheeled sports cars.
The T60 used an aluminium reinforced fibreglass monocoque construction and was available in both soft and hardtop configurations. Fitted with an Excelsior 328cc Talisman two-stroke twin-cylinder engine pushing out a heady 18bhp, this gave the miniature sports car a top speed of 60mph. Transmission was via an Albion 4-speed and reverse gearbox driving through the front wheels via a chain-driven differential. Trailing arm suspension carried the single rear wheel.
The early cars were an immediate success on the home market where three-wheelers could legally be driven on a motorcycle licence, so were suitable for a motorcyclist with family. Another advantage was that the purchase and road tax fees for three-wheelers cost considerably less than four-wheeled vehicles. Thus at its launch, the T60 only cost £400. Export markets, most notably the United States, were exploited and the cars earned a reputation for fun, if fragile, sports motoring on a budget.
The T60’s featherlight weight gave this small car excellent performance, and its independent all round suspension was highly praised at the time for comfort and roadholding. In their road test of October 1959, The Motor Cycle magazine described the car as "a fascinating, front-wheel-drive sports car which combines economy with liveliness and superb cornering." A four seater version, the T60/4 was produced from October 1960 and was mechanically and outwardly similar to the later two-seater T60s.
The caravan market collapsed towards the end of 1960 and Berkeley's poor cash flow forced the company into liquidation in December 1960, taking its car manufacturing activities with it. A total of 1,800 T60s were produced plus an additional 50 of the T60/4 model and survivors are now rare indeed.
First registered in Kent in April 1960, this Berkeley T60 joined the Stondon Collection in October 1997, the previous (fifth) owner having kept it since 1987. Usefully, it comes with much technical literature relating to the model including copies of a factory maintenance manual, specification sheets, a magazine feature and a few old issues of the Berkeley Enthusiasts Club newsletter. There is also a V5C.