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LOT 325

1932 Sunbeam 493cc Model 9 Registration no. HY 7130 Frame no. L2428 Engine no. 12A51902334 (see text)

Sold for £9,775 inc. premium
Lot 325

1932 Sunbeam 493cc Model 9
Registration no. HY 7130 Frame no. L2428 Engine no. 12A51902334 (see text)

1932 Sunbeam 493cc Model 9
Registration no. HY 7130
Frame no. L2428
Engine no. 12A51902334 (see text)

• Fitted with a 1935 engine
• New paintwork and plating
• Requires re-commissioning

Sunbeam had begun experimenting with overhead valves on their factory racers in the early 1920s and these duly appeared on production models in 1924. The new '500' sports roadster was known as the Model 9 - the '350'as the Model 8 - while its race bike counterpart, which could top 90mph, was accordingly designated the Model 90. The John Greenwood design was advanced for its day, with a specification that included a crankshaft supported by three ball-bearings, dry-sump lubrication, and primary drive enclosed in an cast alloy chain case. Power was transmitted by single-row chain to a three-speed, 'cross-over drive' gearbox with offside power take-off. The latter gained four speeds as part of an extensive redesign for 1932, at which time an over-bored, 599cc version of the Model 9 - the 9A - became available for the first time.

The overhead-valve Model 9's frame and cycle parts, which had much in common with those of Sunbeam's larger side-valve models, evolved slowly. Sunbeam missed the industry's virtually wholesale switch from flat-tank to saddle-tank frames for the 1928 season, and a saddle-tank version of the Model 9 did not appear until September of that year. Changes to the Model 9's engine were confined mainly to its top-end. The early flat-tankers featured a straight-ahead exhaust port, a peculiarity which necessitated the adoption of a bifurcated down-tube. Pushrod enclosure had arrived by 1930 to be followed a couple of years later by partial enclosure of the rocker gear.

This Sunbeam Model 9 has been fitted with a later engine: the twin-port unit from a 1935 Model 9. The machine also has a modern saddle, modern handlebar controls, and a side stand, all fitted in the interests of improved usability. The previous owner acquired 'HY 7130' in November 2013 from previous owner Roy Green (receipt on file), at that time boasting new paintwork and plating. Acquired by the vendor at Bonhams 3 September 2016 Beaulieu Sale (Lot 319) the machine has been used sparingly since and will require re-commissioning before it returns to the road. The machine is offered with two old-style logbooks; sundry invoices; assorted correspondence; V5C document; instruction manual; and a parts list.

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.

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  • 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

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