Berkeley Cars - The Ian Mantle Memorial Run, Sunday, 21 July 2013

 

Biggleswade History Society Newsletter 388, June 2013:

 

"The Ian Mantle Memorial Run, Sunday, 21 July.  Make a note in your diary!

 

Another chance to see in action and up close the popular little Berkeley sports cars made in Biggleswade between 1956 and 1960.

 

The Berkeley Enthusiasts Club is holding its annual rally in memory of Ian Mantle (1920-2010). Ian Mantle’s connection was with both the Berkeley cars and caravans, also manufactured in Biggleswade from 1947. The cars were sold at his Henlow garage, whilst the caravans were sold in Biggleswade. Ian also raced the cars very successfully.

 

The rally will start in the morning from Turnpike Farm and will pass through local villages before finishing on Biggleswade Market Square. They will move on later to Mantles garage in London Road for their social event and prize giving.

 

They will be on the Market Square from about 12.00 mid-day to 1.30. All will be Berkeleys, both three- and four-wheel versions. The organisers have told us that they would welcome people who worked at the factory, or family members whose parents or grandparents worked there, to come and take a look at the cars and have a chat. For the club members that is one of the highlights of their weekend. One club member is restoring what could be the original prototype Berkeley car and would welcome any information on the chassis number and other details, as the owner is trying to get the vehicle re-registered. These cars are a rarity today and all are little gems of Biggleswade’s engineering history. Do get to see them if you can."