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Yea and you just swap the ol motor out as you please...
this one's got a Honda 350...but comes with the original
2 cyc Excelsior...I'd have to take the seat out and maybe even cut a hole in the floor board for buns to be able to drive it!!! ouch!
There's a three wheeled version of this in Hong Kong, it is absolutely beautiful. Great little car and with gas prices these days.... not a bad idea! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/driving.gif
This car has been eBay before. Most of the changes look reversible although Honda 350's are a good swap for these cars. Maybe it's just me but the steering wheel and upholstery seem more "Oldsmobile" than Berkeley.
(Speaking of reversible changes - do you suppose a car with a Honda bike engine has a reverse gear? Probably not.)
There's an interesting Berkeley T60 3 wheeler on eBay UK with a Mini engine. This is also a "normal" engine swap for Berks in the UK.
I can't believe how Berkeley values have jumped this year.
I understand they weigh less than 800 lbs. wet..
Surprised the brits weren't classy enough to put optional
pedals on it...that would've resolved the reverse issue as well...gotta love em'.
I maneuver mine around the shop by lifting the rear end off the ground and spinning the car on its front wheels. This is easiest on the 2 cylinder cars because the fuel tank is in the front.
The various microcars had some interesting approaches to reversing. Many used motorcycle based engines without reverse gears - also there were tax implications. A 3 three-wheeler without reverse was taxed as a motorcycle in some countries.
One method of reversing without gears was to simple start the engine running backwards. This was the most common method and it used a 2-position starter switch.
Some 3 wheelers had a single front wheel with the engine mounted directly on it. The wheel could steer 180 degrees to provide reverse.
My favorite the car that came with a large ratcheting wrench that fit a nut on a rear wheel hub. The driver got out, hooked it up, and levered the car backwards.
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