Despite appearing for sale with some regularity, the 1950s Berkeley Sports was made in limited numbers, with just over 4,000 built. Powered by engines ranging from 18 to 50 b.h.p., these were extremely clever cars that made extensive use of fiberglass and utilized a front-wheel drive layout. This example is powered by a later 1097cc Austin engine paired to a four-speed manual and said to be far quicker than stock configuration. Find it here on craigslist for $15,000 and little information about its current running condition. 

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find. The seller doesn’t provide much in the way of information, just noting it supposedly has a competition past while living in the U.K. The right-hand drive steering and British license plates confirms someone must have imported this Berkeley, but who and when and why? The interior is a sparse affair but looks reasonably complete; what a hoot this would be as an autocross car. Hemmings even mentions how the Berkeley quickly endeared itself “…to cash-strapped amateurs.”

A quick Google search of photos confirms those flared fenders are not stock – and also why the seller thinks it has a “baby Cobra” look going for it. The body looks quite sound, with no obvious fiberglass damage, good tail light lenses and a crack-free windshield. While just over 200 cars are currently shown as being registered in the U.S., I still find the asking price somewhat ambitious. The seller is right to point out the rarity, but even with that under consideration, I’ve seen running/driving cars with good bodies sell for less.

The upgraded Austin powerplant certainly makes this a more entertaining driver, but I’d be inclined to go a step further and fit an upgraded Hayabusa motor. One of the more entertaining YouTube videos of a Berkeley shows one fitted with an engine from a Honda CB400F! However, at the current pricing, I’d be buying this one as-is to use with the current engine, not carve up for hot-rodding purposes. The flared fenders might make you consider taking this project on, but see if you can’t get it for $10K or less.