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GOLDEN OLDIE

Classic microcar found rusting under rubbish in garage for 50 YEARS before restored to glory goes on sale

A CLASSIC microcar will go up for sale having been discovered after sitting rusting in a garage for half a century.

The Berkeley B95 Roadster from 1959 is a symbol of the "golden age" of motorsport but this one was left to rot for decades.

This Berkeley B95 Roadster was left to rot in a garage for 50 years
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This Berkeley B95 Roadster was left to rot in a garage for 50 yearsCredit: BNPS
It enjoyed a successful run of car competitions in the 1960s before being abandoned
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It enjoyed a successful run of car competitions in the 1960s before being abandonedCredit: BNPS

The gorgeous miniature motor was one of just 178 ever produced.

Its sister model, the Sports SA322, was even driven by British F1 legend Sir Stirling Moss at Goodwood in 1956.

Sadly, this particular model was abandoned in a mystery location after a successful run of car competitions in the 1960s.

It was found in 2014 and lovingly restored before being sold on in 2021.

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Ashley Automotive in Bournemouth, Dorset, have spent over £14,000 bringing it back to its former glory and it is now set to go on the market.

Originally it was finished in sparkling white, but it is now decked out in deep blue, while fresh parts have been added to the original bodywork to bring it back into working order.

At just 125 inches long and weighing just 402 kg, the B95 is one of the smallest sports cars on the planet.

That's not to say it doesn't pack a punch, though, with a 692cc Royal Enfield transverse twin engine making it nippier than you might expect.

It is sure to attract a buyer when it hits auction, especially as it is tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt due to its historic status.

Ryan Lockett, from Ashley Automotive, said: "Berkeley cars were the fastest of the micro cars of the '50s and '60s and had a lot of success on the race tracks.

"They were capable of over 100mph if you were very brave.

"This car runs and drives exceptionally well, with lots and lots of new parts that the previous owner spent a very long time sourcing or having made.

"She comes with a box full of history, manuals and books, including photos of when first purchased back in 2014 before she was brought back to life."

It comes after an urban explorer discovered an abandoned car graveyard housing more than 200 classic vehicles.

Meanwhile, a group of residents were left furious after organisers of a vintage motor show painted white lines on their 'sacred' village green.

Now it has been lovingly restored to its former glory
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Now it has been lovingly restored to its former gloryCredit: BNPS
Ashley Automotive in Bournemouth spent over £14,000 on it
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Ashley Automotive in Bournemouth spent over £14,000 on itCredit: BNPS
At just 125in long, it qualifies as a microcar
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At just 125in long, it qualifies as a microcarCredit: BNPS
Nonetheless its 692cc Royal Enfield engine still packs a punch
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Nonetheless its 692cc Royal Enfield engine still packs a punchCredit: BNPS
Given it is exempt from tax, MOT and the ULEZ charge, it is sure to find a buyer when it goes on sale
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Given it is exempt from tax, MOT and the ULEZ charge, it is sure to find a buyer when it goes on saleCredit: BNPS
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