1958' Berkeley Se492

Most microcars are restored to look pretty but with little attention to how they drive - not so this one! With its engine fully rebuilt by the only Excelsior two-stroke specialist, Nametab Engineering, and thoroughly sorted by experts in the Berkeley Enthusiasts Club, this 492 is now not only stunning to look at, but an absolute blast to drive!
The 492 triple has just had a thorough refresh after taking part in the amazing Liège-Brescia-Liège marathon rally in the hands of its US-based owner, who has now decided this very rare right-hand drive 492 should stay in Europe (he already has a LHD 492). He was sorely tempted to keep it, commenting that it's much nicer than any other 492 he's driven.
Berkeleys are currently amazing value compared to other microcars - when you take into account their rarity, innovation and great styling, they are bound to appreciate significantly more in time. Messerschmitt Tigers are fetching over £100,000 - 320 of those were built against 665 of the SE492, so the 492 should be worth £50k! 492s have a great race history - Count Johnny Lurani's racing team wiped the floor in Italian 500cc sports car racing, and a 492 set the fastest time on the first hillclimb of the 1958 Liège-Brescia-Liège Rally, 30sec quicker than the Messerschmitt Tiger and a full minute quicker than the Fiat 500 Sport.
The bodyshell is a composite monocoque of glassfibre and aluminium - decades before such construction became popular with the likes of the Lotus Elise. Consequently it's stiff and very light. The car has all-round independent suspension, purpose-made not filched off some popular contemporary car like most specialist sports cars did at the time. Its 3-cylinder two-stroke engine was specially made for Berkeley by Excelsior motorcycles, with a motorcycle-type sequential gearbox specially-made for Berkeley by Albion with one reverse and four forward gears.
Driving a Berkeley takes practice, but once mastered it's an immensely satisfying little car to drive, with ample performance, a tremendous sound, and go-kart handling - while still giving a comfortable ride.
This Berkeley is ready to drive and enjoy - you won't find another in such perfect, sorted condition, so don't miss out!