1930 Sunbeam 493cc Model 9

Registration no. GF 3938 Frame no. D7927 Engine no. LL4501

Having originally manufactured bicycles in the late nineteenth century, Sunbeam, in common with many bicycle makers of the period, metamorphosed into motorcycle manufacturing under the guidance of John Marston. Motor cycle manufacture commenced around 1912 with the quality of finish which had become the hallmark of their bicycle creations. Their entry into the market was innovative, featuring a two-speed countershaft gearbox, a lever operated clutch, and enclosed primary and final drives via chains. The early machines acquitted themselves with honour in competition, albeit without exceptional distinction prior to the Great War. Between the wars, however, in the skilled hands of exponents such as Alec Bennett Charles Dodson and the legendary rider and tuner George Dance, Sunbeam advanced their reputation in leaps and bounds, both in trials and road racing. With victories in the Senior TT in 1920, 1922, and 1929, racing success created greater demand for their products and by the early thirties Sunbeam were lauded as producers of one of the 'quality' sporting machines of the day. GF 3938 was purchased by the deceased owner from Brian Verrall in 1993 (copy invoice on file). It was MoT'd by him and may have been used for the first few years of ownership, but has been dry garage-stored and not used since approximately 1997. It will, therefore, need careful re-commissioning and safety checks prior to use on the road by a new owner. Documentation comprises a current V5C, an old V5C, an original RF60 continuation buff log book dated 1951, a quantity of old MoT certificates, the aforementioned copy invoice, and sundry papers. The machine is presently on SORN.