THE owner of an extremely rare car is attempting to track down previous owners to unlock the secrets of its history.


Tony Bourn is appealing for the former owners of his three wheeled Berkeley T60 sports car, which was first registered in Flintshire, to come forward and share any stories or information about the car, which is known to have had owners in Pandy, Rhos and Chester.


The 51-year-old consultant from Essex said: “It’s very interesting as it spent its early life in North Wales and then moved around the country a little bit.


“It would be nice to hear some amusing or interesting stories, particularly with a car that has such a rich history as this one.


“The fact it spent a lot of time in Wales seems strange as the roads of North Wales don’t seem suited for such a low set, three wheeled car.”


Car enthusiast Tony believes he is the proud owner of the only one of its kind.
He added: “I don’t know of another working hard top version of this car in the world. It truly is a one off, and I’m proud to be part of its history.”


The history of the car, which has three wheels, two at the front and one at the rear, remains a mystery between the years of 1976 and 1995.


Its log shows that between 1974 and 1976 it was owned by David Kelly from Pandy before being sold to a Mr Newton from Rhos.


In 1995 it was bought and restored by Mark Wakem from Chester, who nicknamed the car Blodwen.


Tony added: “I decided to keep the name as not only was it unique, it also helps demonstrate the car’s history and shows exactly where it came from as it is a very distinctive name.”


Powered by a twin cylinder 328cc two stroke engine from a motor bike, and giving 18 brake horsepower, with about a 60mph maximum speed, the Berkeley T60 was not introduced to the public until September 1959. It is believed just 2,000 were made.


It was an instant success in the UK, where three-wheelers could legally be driven by anyone who held a motorcycle licence.


Tony, who has owned the car since January 2010, added: “I only did small amounts of restoration, namely tweaking the engine and gearbox, the rest was done by Mark Wakem who owned the car between 1995 and 2005.


“When he was working on the car it was in bits, windows were missing, the doors were off, but he managed to restore it to its former glory and he did a great job.
“I do not know who painted the car green, instead of its original colour, white.”


Tony says he was lucky to pick up the one of a kind car for a good price.


“I paid £3,800 which is interesting as the car cost £400 back in 1959 and that £400 translates to about £7,000 in modern day money,” he said.


Anyone with information about Blodwen’s history should contact Tony Bourn on 07759820