BRA

B.R.A. was a British manufacturer of replica and kit cars, founded by restoration specialists John Berry and Peter Ibbotson. The company began operations in Doncaster, Yorkshire, before later moving through several locations, including Holywell and Flint in Flintshire, Wales.

The founders initially set out to produce a replica of the AC Cobra, basing their mould unusually on an original narrow-arch 289 model rather than the more commonly replicated 427 version. Early examples featured a front spoiler, aero screens, squared-off wheel arches, and a larger interior, though later versions became more faithful to the original design. These cars used MGB mechanical components mounted on a steel multi-tube chassis, with double wishbone front suspension and a leaf-sprung live rear axle. A V8-powered variant was introduced in 1982.

In 1984, the company launched a replica of the AC 427, featuring Jaguar-derived suspension on a platform chassis designed by Gerry Hawkridge, who later worked with Transformer. Rover V8 engines were recommended for this model, although American V8 units could also be fitted. This project was eventually sold to a German company. The same year saw the introduction of the J-Type, a cycle-winged two-seater inspired by the 1930s MG Midget, using MGB suspension and offering a choice of MG or Ford engines. A related model, the P-Type, shared the same underpinnings but featured flowing wings instead of cycle wings.

The company also produced an atypical Mini Moke-style vehicle built using Fiat Panda components, with a steel body and tubular chassis, and an optional four-wheel-drive system; however, only one example was completed. Its final new model came in 1992 with the CX3, a three-wheeled, Honda CX V-twin motorcycle-engined car styled in the manner of a Morgan three-wheeler. Production of the trike was later transferred to a Welsh company, which in 1998 also introduced a Citroën 2CV-powered variant known as the CV3.

The original Doncaster-based operation ceased trading in 1993, though the P-Type project continued under Rodney Rushton from 1995. The AC 289 replica design was subsequently taken over by Tyler, marking the end of B.R.A.'s direct involvement in vehicle production.