Berkeley Project Three Wheeler Development

[Steffan]

I am a recently retired Accountant with a penchant for Kit cars I have built over 20 since 1965.

Kit cars and in particular three wheelers fascinate me.

I am looking for a three wheeler project which I after a bit of cogitation should be based on the Berkeley form, I think?

I have a good experience of building kit cars the engineering side does not concern me. Making the right choice of donor vehicle and overall design does concern me hence this post.

I would welcome any thoughts or suggestions on what might make the best basis for a three wheeler.

My thoughts are Berkeley simply because this obviates the problem of bodywork, the Berkeley is a decent looking car and the lightweight alloy and glassfibre monococque body appeals.

The Berkeley also represents something of the shape I want. I want a smooth flowing aerodynamic shape and design not a period look with the aerodynamics of a brick.

I favour a lightweight motorcycle set up probably the Kawasaki 1400 or Suzuki 1400. It will be fast but I would really like it to handle well and corner well. Now that's not so easy. Speed is` one thing nimble handling and good looks are much more challenging. And that is my aim.

I am interested in planning this project properly and I would welcome any thoughts from Pistonheads readers.

Is the Berkeley the best way?
Does anyone know of a car awaiting rebuilding?
Is there another frame I could consider?
Has anyone done this to date?
Do you think this is the answer to a decent three wheeler?
Are there any alternatives I ought to consider?
Am I going about this in the wrong way?

All suggestions gratefully received and thanks for reading.

[Steffan]

Very interesting. Very helpful.

You have given me much food for thought.

I can see from the sales ad the problems you are describing.

I had better do some more research. I will start this process.

I wonder if there is a better profile shape on the market.

In the light of the remarks of Slomax I will take a look at the Berkley for sale and the Pemberton. You could be right.

[Steffan]

fuoriserie said:

Maybe this could work for you, a Berkley T60 with a Mini engine:

http://cgi.ebay.it/berkeley-t60-mini-1275-micro-3-...

Thanks I am In Italy I will have a look when I return tomorrow.

The T60 would be fine but the Mini drive train is not.

I am the worlds biggest A series fan a Clive Trickey convert.

But cast iron and a weighty lump in a lightweight three wheeler.

A bike engine would be better but the frame etc may well be worth pursuing.

Thank you Steffan

[Steffan]

willbaz said:

I know this is a very old thread but thought it might amuse...

three months ago I took a Berkeley T60 (engine was wrecked) and put a Honda CB400NB super dream engine in, and drove it 20,000km from england to mongolia...

Just got home but I can confirm a bike engine does fit and it does work..

What a remarkable achievement and what an interesting project! Given the brilliant original design of the Berkeley by Lawrie Bond the success of seriously modified improvements that must have been incorporated into the mix, ths is an outstanding achievement and traveling 20,000 KM in the car is magnificent.

Certainly a story that should be told, please!! What a Journey and what an achievement!!

Well done, Sir!!

[Steffan]

What a totally exceptional undertaking this whole package has become!

Magnificent efforts and a remarkable achievement from start to finish!

The benefis to the Parkinson's charity are an excellent result and I thoroughly commend you and your colleagues for the efforts needed the stamina required and above all, the results. Breathtaking I suggest!

I am avidly reading all the Facebook articles and I am just amazed at your joint and several commitment and determination.

I do hope that ths achievement does attract widespread support. It certainly should!

I do think this deserves widespread coverage!!

Well done again!

[Steffan]

What a totally exceptional undertaking this whole package has become!

Magnificent efforts and a remarkable achievement from start to finish!

The benefis to the Parkinson's charity are an excellent result and I thoroughly commend you and your colleagues for the efforts needed the stamina required and above all, the results. Breathtaking I suggest!

I am avidly reading all the Facebook articles and I am just amazed at your joint and several commitment and determination.

I do hope that ths achievement does attract widespread support. It certainly should!

I do think this deserves widespread coverage!!

Well done again!

[Steffan]

theelaga said:

If you are still interested Steffan I can put you in touch with someone who makes the body shells for the Berkeley three wheel and four wheel models, you can then adapt to whatever block you want to drop into it, unless you need to start with something which has a registration number

Well what an opportunity!

As it happens I am looking for a project again and I have PM,d you immediately.

I look forward to seeing whether this is for me.

[Steffan]

Steffan said:

theelaga said:

If you are still interested Steffan I can put you in touch with someone who makes the body shells for the Berkeley three wheel and four wheel models, you can then adapt to whatever block you want to drop into it, unless you need to start with something which has a registration number

Well what an opportunity!

As it happens I am looking for a project again and I have PM,d you immediately.

I look forward to seeing whether this is for me.

Morning once again tried to PM you but PH says unavailable. Coud you PM me please?