Company Name: Arkley Engineering / John Bitten Garages
Place: Barnet, Hertfordshire
Country: United Kingdom
Company Name: Arkley Sportscars / Peter May Engineering
Place: Halesowen, West Midlands
Country: United Kingdom
Arkley was a British automotive brand active from 1970 to 1995, primarily known for its modifications of the MG Midget. The company was initially established as Arkley Engineering by John Britten Garages in Herefordshire, operating from 1970 until 1987. Following this period, the brand transitioned to Arkley Sportscars under Peter May Engineering, based in Halesowen, West Midlands, where it continued until 1995.
The Arkley modification was particularly popular among MG Midget owners, as it offered an affordable way to enhance the vehicle's appearance. The modification involved replacing the original front and rear bodywork with new fiberglass panels, creating a distinctive crossover style that combined elements of fun and tradition. Early models featured cut-away doors, while later versions utilized standard MG Midget doors. Arkley produced two main variants: the S version, which had narrower wheel arches designed for standard MG wheels, and the SS version, which accommodated wider alloy wheels. In total, nearly 1,000 Arkley vehicles were manufactured during its operational years.
Comments