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LOT 322

1918 Sunbeam 4hp French Military Motorcycle Combination Registration no. AR 7839 Frame no. 7863 Engine no. 134/7963

Sold for £18,400 inc. premium
Lot 322

1918 Sunbeam 4hp French Military Motorcycle Combination
Registration no. AR 7839 Frame no. 7863 Engine no. 134/7963

1918 Sunbeam 4hp French Military Motorcycle Combination
Registration no. AR 7839
Frame no. 7863
Engine no. 134/7963

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. Their racetrack performances did nothing to discourage sales either.

This rare Sunbeam was supplied as a motorcycle combination to the French Army just prior to the end on WWI. It has the standard rigid frame, girder fork, and three-speed hand-change gearbox, but unlike all other Sunbeams of that time has belt final drive rather than chain. This was done at the behest of the French Army to bring the Sunbeams into line with the other types of motorcycle they were using. To compensate for the associated power loss, the engine was increased in capacity from 500ccc (3½hp) to 550cc (4hp). Around 1,000 machines of this specification were supplied.

'AR 7839' was purchased by the vendor in June 2008 and was last taxed for the road in April 2015. Apart from a repainted fuel tank (which was found to have 2 bullet holes in it!), new tyres, and a new tonneau cover for the sidecar, the machine is described as completely original. Offered with a V5C Registration Certificate.

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.

Saleroom notices

The frame number is 7963.

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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