Planet Bern

Burlingtons are a form of kit car, despite there not being a "kit" to buy! For some time the company was based here in Northampton; owners would use a Triumph Herald as the base vehicle, and build the rest of the car from written plans, sourcing the other parts from other Triumphs.

It is estimated that around 500 cars were built. Bill Williams from Cogenhoe has lovingly restored his two seater, doorless and roofless roadster after buying it at a show in London last year.

Bernie climbs in

Supposed to be a winter project, Bill couldn't wait to get cracking and had the car on the road in a couple of months!

"No two Burlingtons are the same - I built it how I thought it should be built, and it has also been converted to take unleaded fuel."

Bill's Burlington has a Triumph Spitfire engine, and the rest of the vehicle is made from Triumph and Ford parts to give it the classic 30s roadster look. The chassis is made from fibreglass and the back from plywood.

With no doors or a roof, the drive can be hair raising, and the car can reach high speeds.  "You hit a bump, and it tends to throw you a little bit!"