Perhaps Mark could enlighten us to what a Berkeley Foursome is?
Andy,
Prepare to be enlightened. Produced from 1956 to 1960, The Berkeley was unique at the time of its launch in that it employed not only a transverse engine and front wheel drive, but a complete fibreglass monocoque hull reinforced locally by lightweight aluminium sections. Good (for the time) performance came from low weight, all-round independent suspension, a low centre of gravity, and hydraulic drum brakes on all 4 wheels, combined with a mighty 18hp from an Anzani 322cc, 2-stroke twin. The Anzani was dropped at an early stage (reliability problems) and was replaced by a 20hp Excelsior 328cc twin engine. Public demand, particularly from America, resulted in a search for a more powerful engine. leading to a 492cc triple version of the 328 twin. With over 30 Bhp available to propel only about 600 pounds weight, performance was somewhat improved and the car could top 75mph. The original Excelsior-engined 4 wheelers were joined by a 3-wheeler variant to attract those with motorcycle licences. Later 4-wheel models were fitted with a 40bhp Royal Enfield 650cc 4-stroke twin to increase performance to top 90mph - a frightening prospect! this led to the god awful styling of the front as displayed by the Foursome on e-bay, to accommodate the taller engine (valvegear).
All of these variants were designed as two seaters, although there was a small space behind the seats where it was possible to squeeze a very small person. So, in an attempt to expand the appeal of the Berkeley further, a four-seat version, was introduced by lengthening and widening the basic shell and called the Foursome. Although powered by the 492cc engine that was proving very popular, the Foursome failed to attract the buyers and less than 20 were built. This one on e-bay (also currently in the club newsletter) looks like it is a Foursome, which had been fitted with the later bonnet/nose section to accommodate the engine fitted which is a Reliant 850 and, presumably the running gear, including a driven back axle. It has also been fitted with a dreadful concotion of a hardtop, which looks like a combination of the front of a Berkeley Hardtop and the rear of a Ford Anglia. A picture of a standard light blue Foursome, with my red one behind it is below
More info for those interested at
http://home.clara.net/peterfrost/berkeley.htmlhttp://www.pearsies.btinternet.co.uk/BerkModels.htmMark
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