Description

The Berkeley B95 was a compact sports car produced in limited numbers by Berkeley Cars Ltd. in the late 1950s. Introduced in 1959, the B95 was part of Berkeley’s push to offer slightly more powerful and refined alternatives to their earlier models, while still maintaining the company’s hallmark lightweight construction and sporty design.

Built on a fiberglass monocoque chassis with aluminum reinforcement, the B95 was both lightweight and rigid, tipping the scales at around 402 kg (886 lbs). This helped make the most of its modest powerplant: a 692cc air-cooled twin-cylinder four-stroke engine supplied by British Anzani. The “95” in its name referred to its claimed top speed of 95 mph, which was ambitious for such a small car but indicative of its sprightly performance in the right conditions.

The car featured a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and came equipped with a four-speed gearbox. Thanks to its light weight and well-tuned suspension, it handled with agility and offered an engaging driving experience, especially on twisty roads. The B95 also came with a more mature and complete set of features compared to earlier Berkeleys, including improved weather protection, a full-width windscreen, and better trim and seating.

Production numbers were extremely low, with fewer than 200 units made before Berkeley ceased operations in 1960. Today, the B95 is considered one of the most desirable models in the Berkeley lineup and is sought after by collectors who appreciate its rarity, styling, and the clever engineering that went into producing such a compact and capable little sports car.