The Berkeley SE492: A Rare Jewel in British Sports Car History
CarBook Classic Spotlight - Discover the Berkeley SE492, a rare British sports car from 1959 with a three-cylinder Excelsior engine. CarBook explores its history, unique engineering, and why it remains a treasured collectible today.
At CarBook Magazine, we often spotlight cars that left a lasting impression on automotive culture. This week’s classic spotlight turns to the Berkeley SE492, a limited-production British sports car that continues to intrigue collectors with its rarity, lightweight design, and distinctive engineering.
Between 1956 and 1960, Berkeley built a small number of innovative sports cars that targeted enthusiasts who wanted affordable, stylish motoring. While most models used two-cylinder motorcycle-derived engines, the SE492 was special: it carried a three-cylinder power unit supplied by Excelsior, a renowned motorcycle manufacturer. This upgrade gave the car more punch while retaining its agile, lightweight character.
Origins and Evolution
The SE492 began life simply as “the Sports,” but when Berkeley expanded its lineup in 1958 with a larger four-seater known as the Foursome, the model was renamed Twosome. The SE492, however, was a cut above its siblings thanks to its three-cylinder, 30+ horsepower engine — a serious figure for a car weighing less than 400 kilograms.
Excelsior, the supplier of the engine, had been a motorcycle company since the 1920s and even experimented with automobile design. In the SE492, their engine added a new dimension: smoothness and power that made the tiny Berkeley a delight on winding country roads.
Design and Character
The styling of the SE492 was quintessentially British yet forward-thinking for the late 1950s. With its low stance, open two-seat cockpit, and minimalist dashboard, the car embodied pure driving pleasure. Its fiberglass body kept weight to a minimum, allowing the small engine to deliver surprising performance.
The front featured a wide oval grille and recessed headlights, giving the SE492 a charming yet sporty face. Its compact wheelbase and lightweight construction ensured nimble handling, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who valued simplicity and driving engagement over outright speed.
Rarity and Collectibility
Today, the SE492 is considered one of the rarest Berkeley models, especially in well-preserved or restored condition. Because production numbers were small and survival rates even smaller, it’s a sought-after piece for collectors of vintage British sports cars.
Auction houses like RM Sotheby’s have featured these gems, with collectors praising their charm, simplicity, and the nostalgia of a bygone era when motoring was more about spirit than horsepower figures.
🔗 Further Reading: Classic & Sports Car – Berkeley History
For more stories on automotive history and collector icons, explore our CarBook Classic Cars section.
Why It Matters
The Berkeley SE492 represents more than just a small production sports car. It reflects a moment in time when innovation and passion defined automotive engineering, even in small workshops across Britain. For enthusiasts, it is a reminder that greatness doesn’t always come from massive horsepower or big budgets — sometimes it comes from a lightweight body, a spirited engine, and the thrill of the open road.
