Berkeley Sports SE 328
It is certainly a special little sports car. This Berkley is a pre-series with the headlights on the fenders. The paintwork has stood the test of time brilliantly and is in almost perfect condition; the engine runs smoothly. The interior is worth a look! The SE328 model features a 328 cc Excelsior engine with 18 hp (13 kW; 18 PS). Production ran from January 1957 to April 1958 with chassis numbers from 164 to 1422, many of which were exported to the United States where it sold for approximately $1600 (equivalent to $14,743 today). The manufacturer touted the number 70, meaning it could reach 70 mph (113 km/h) and had an average fuel economy of 70 mpg. The export model was distinguished by having separate headlights, whereas on the home market they were streamlined into the fenders, although export-type lamps could be specified. Early cars from January 1957 up to approximately chassis number 476 in June 1957 still used a column gear shift.
It is certainly a special little sports car. This Berkley is a pre-series with the headlights on the fenders. The paint has withstood the test of time and is in almost perfect condition, the engine runs smoothly. Interior is worth seeing!
The SE328 model with a 328 cc Excelsior engine with 18 PS (13 kW; 18 hp). Production ran from January 1957 to April 1958 with chassis numbers from 164 to 1422, many of which were exported to the United States where it sold for approximately $1600 (equivalent to $14,743 today). The manufacturer touted the number 70, meaning it could reach 70 mph (113 km/h) and had an average fuel economy of 70 mpg. The export model was distinguished by having separate headlamps, while in the domestic market they were faired into the wings, although the export type lamps could be specified.
Early cars from January 1957 up to approximately chassis number 476 in June 1957 still used a column gear shift. During their production run, a Deluxe model was offered that was identical in appearance but featured polished hubcaps and spinners, a tachometer, and twin carburetors. The chassis plate was similar to the Anzani type on the early cars but was later changed to a printed type mounted on the bulkhead above the master brake cylinder. The type 'SE328' was printed on the printed chassis plate. Most of these cars had a three-speed gearbox similar to the Anzani, except for the mounting flanges. All cars had sloping front edges towards the doors.
Motor magazine tested a 1957cc Berkeley in 328 and found it had a top speed of 99,9 km/h and acceleration of 80 km/h in 30,6 seconds. Fuel consumption of 58,3 miles per imperial gallon (4,85 L/100 km; 48,5 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £574 in the home market including taxes of £152 (equivalent to £14.148 today).
The SE328 enjoyed considerable success and notoriety in the press due to its involvement in lightweight car racing, and its famous drivers included Pat Moss, who drove one in the 1958 Liège–Brescia–Liège rally for cars up to 500 cc. The Berkeley team—a factory-supported entry of six cars, including BBC commentator Robin Richards—led into Slovenia, but slow climbing in the summer heat found their weakness, and Pat was eventually towed back to Italy by another Berkeley. None of the Berkeleys reached the finish.