Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but a 750cc Royal Enfield engine can cure many ills.
For those not familiar with Berkeley Cars of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, this B-95 was one of their later creations. Traditionally, a Berkeley involved a fiberglass monocoque surrounding the motorcycle-derived powerplant, driving the front wheels through a chain drive. This B-95 is no different, other than being one of the rare LHD versions. A brave soul could attempt to top 100 mph in a B-95, and while the original cars had a 692cc engine fitted, this particular example seems to be sporting a larger motor. It’s also missing the chrome slatted grille, which arguably mitigates the horse-collar-ness (to put it politely) of the front fascia. Shockingly, for what they were, Berkeleys were quite expensive compared to similarly performing (and arguably better-looking rivals) such as the Mini or Spridget. Thus, Berkeley was resigned to the dustbin of history not long after the B-95 graced the earth with its unique charms.
This one’s available for the eye-watering price of $38,000 USD, although it’s fully restored and only one of 3 survivors. Is that a face you could love?
race-cars.com
'59 Berkeley B-95 Has Big Schnoz, Royal Enfield Power
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12 responses to “'59 Berkeley B-95 Has Big Schnoz, Royal Enfield Power”
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Aircooled cars = win
Motorcycle-engined cars = win.
This is a win-win situation! -
find me another car that will feel as fast at 60mph. Nothing with four wheels. Maybe a few things with three, though, but they'll also have motorcycle engines up front, a la Pembleton.
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I think a Honda S600 might feel as quick. Actually, it's probably a much better car than the Berkeley, but hey, I think the Berkeley has it's esoteric charms. I also love the idea of a motorcycle-engined car.
You know, I'd be happy to do a comparo! Maybe we can line up a Berkeley and a S600 for a track day and see what truly feels faster at 60!!! God, that's a fantastic idea …-
First we need to set up "HondaS600sareawesome.com" and "WorldWideBerkeleyOwnersClub.org", THEN we need to make up a bunch of fake accounts for the forums, THEN we can start a flamewar.
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Oh, I bet those are legit forums, no fakiness needed.
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I've always wanted to race an Ogle SX if that could make it into the running as well.
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I've been studying this image trying to figure out how one a) changes gears and b) applies brakes. I *think* the thing on the right is the throttle assembly but I'm not even sure about that. At any rate, something's missin'!
<img src="http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/other/1118186646/1118186646lf.jpg">-
Pessimist.
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I'm pretty sure you push the red button to eject when it all goes wrong. Beyond that, I'm lost. As an added bonus, this looks to be pretty theft proof!
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Grassroots Motorsports has one with a GSXR engine: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/project-cars/ber…
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Excrutiatingly tough call. Since it'd be easier to convince The Missus that the VeeDubaru has some practicality, I'll go with that one. Having been married for going on 17 years, I've learned to pick my battles.
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At the All British Field Meet in Portland a few years ago somebody had a Berkeley repowered with a Honda CB550 four.
![http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/other/1118186646/1118186646lf.jpg">](http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/other/1118186646/1118186646lf.jpg">){kind=link}
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