LOT 320
1932 Sunbeam 492cc Model 6 Lion Registration no. FK 5168 Frame no. B12066 Engine no. J6024
Sold for £7,475 inc. premium
Lot 320
1932 Sunbeam 492cc Model 6 LionRegistration no. FK 5168 Frame no. B12066 Engine no. J6024
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1932 Sunbeam 492cc Model 6 Lion
Registration no. FK 5168
Frame no. B12066
Engine no. J6024
Registration no. FK 5168
Frame no. B12066
Engine no. J6024
• A version of Sunbeam's famous 'long-stroke' sidevalve engine
• Described this Sunbeam Lion as totally original and untouched
• Last run May 2019
The first Sunbeam motorcycle - a 350cc side-valve single - left the Wolverhampton premises of John Marston, hitherto a manufacturer of finest quality enamelled goods, bicycles and - latterly - cars, in 1912. Like Marston's other products, his motorcycles soon established a reputation for sound construction and exemplary finish.
Sunbeam's first overhead-valve engines were introduced in the mid-1920s but early successes were achieved with sidevalve-engined machines, most notably the 492cc (3½hp) 'Longstroke', which secured a debut win at the 1921 French Grand Prix ridden by Alec Bennett. In road-going form this remarkable engine remained in production right up until WW2.
A version of Sunbeam's famous 'long-stroke' sidevalve engine powered the new-for-1931 Model 6 Lion. Introduced in the summer of 1930, the revamped Lion replaced the old Model 6 and featured the innovations - for Sunbeam - of a chromium-plated fuel tank and Webb-pattern girder forks. A 598cc Model 7 Lion arrived the following year. These two sidevalve workhorses continued in production - surviving Sunbeam's 1937 sale to AMC, relocation to Plumstead, and axing of the rest of the traditional models - until the outbreak of WW2.
The vendor describes this Sunbeam Lion as totally original and untouched, even down to the footrest rubbers and the clock in the tank. Charmingly patinated, the machine comes with a comprehensive file containing some John Marston invoices dating back to the early/mid-1930s. These are addressed to one Carl William Beard, possibly the first owner, who according to the accompanying continuation logbook was still the owner in 1964. The file also contains an original instruction manual, original spare parts catalogue, technical information, and a V5C Registration Certificate. The machine also comes with the two original keys for the toolboxes and what is believed to be the original tool kit.
The last owner enjoyed the Sunbeam for five years and participated in various historical runs with it, including one organised in May of this year by the French club 'L'Ane à Deux Roues' near Beziers where it was awarded a cup for the best 'Girder'. A couple of photographs and the cup are included with the Lot.
• Described this Sunbeam Lion as totally original and untouched
• Last run May 2019
The first Sunbeam motorcycle - a 350cc side-valve single - left the Wolverhampton premises of John Marston, hitherto a manufacturer of finest quality enamelled goods, bicycles and - latterly - cars, in 1912. Like Marston's other products, his motorcycles soon established a reputation for sound construction and exemplary finish.
Sunbeam's first overhead-valve engines were introduced in the mid-1920s but early successes were achieved with sidevalve-engined machines, most notably the 492cc (3½hp) 'Longstroke', which secured a debut win at the 1921 French Grand Prix ridden by Alec Bennett. In road-going form this remarkable engine remained in production right up until WW2.
A version of Sunbeam's famous 'long-stroke' sidevalve engine powered the new-for-1931 Model 6 Lion. Introduced in the summer of 1930, the revamped Lion replaced the old Model 6 and featured the innovations - for Sunbeam - of a chromium-plated fuel tank and Webb-pattern girder forks. A 598cc Model 7 Lion arrived the following year. These two sidevalve workhorses continued in production - surviving Sunbeam's 1937 sale to AMC, relocation to Plumstead, and axing of the rest of the traditional models - until the outbreak of WW2.
The vendor describes this Sunbeam Lion as totally original and untouched, even down to the footrest rubbers and the clock in the tank. Charmingly patinated, the machine comes with a comprehensive file containing some John Marston invoices dating back to the early/mid-1930s. These are addressed to one Carl William Beard, possibly the first owner, who according to the accompanying continuation logbook was still the owner in 1964. The file also contains an original instruction manual, original spare parts catalogue, technical information, and a V5C Registration Certificate. The machine also comes with the two original keys for the toolboxes and what is believed to be the original tool kit.
The last owner enjoyed the Sunbeam for five years and participated in various historical runs with it, including one organised in May of this year by the French club 'L'Ane à Deux Roues' near Beziers where it was awarded a cup for the best 'Girder'. A couple of photographs and the cup are included with the Lot.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Additional information
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- 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
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