Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection, 1928 Sunbeam 493cc T.T. Model 90 Racing Motorcycle

Frame no. E1134 Engine no. L1211

• Believed to incorporate a works frame
• Formerly part of the Anthony Blight Collection
• Restored by the National Motorcycle Museum

In 1928 Sunbeam produced what was arguably their finest ever racer: the 'Bullnose 90', so called on account of its fuel tank's round¬ed nose. Four machines were taken to the Isle of Man that year for the Senior TT race with an international team of riders: Francesco Franconi (Swiss), Luigi Arcangeli (Italian), Arthur 'Digger' Simcock (Australian) and Charlie Dodson (English). The race was run in atrociously wet weather, which suited Dodson, who was well known for his remarkable ability in such conditions. Nevertheless, he crashed at Kepple Gate while leading the race, allowing Rudge-mounted Graham Walker to take the lead. Dodson remounted and continued, only to be brought down a second time by the loose rear stand. Back in the saddle once more, he eventually passed the Rudge ahead of him, which failed 10 miles from the finish. Franconi finished 7th and Arcangeli 15th, which was good enough to secure Sunbeam the Team Prize. 1928 was the last time that a flat-tank motorcycle won the Senior TT.

This particular Model 90 was purchased by Ivan Rhodes in 1998 on behalf of the National Motorcycle Museum and is believed to incorporate a works frame. Reputedly the machine had been used extensively by one G D Dunlop for sand and path racing. It was then acquired by Iliffe & Sons, publishers of The Motor Cycle, and formed the basis of instruction and advice on machine overhaul written by the editor at the time, the late Arthur Bourne. Subsequently the machine belonged to the well-known Sunbeam enthusiast, the late Anthony Blight, and before that it had been owned by the famous Scottish tuner/entrant, Joe Potts - best remembered as Bob McIntyre's sponsor in the 1950s and '60s.

The Sunbeam has been restored by the Museum, as commemorated on the attached silver plaque. It should be noted that the engine is not original to the frame and that the crankcases are from a single-port Model 9. Accompanying documentation includes the 1998 purchase receipt and correspondence; a continuation logbook in Joe Potts' name (1970); and a V5C Registration Certificate. It should be noted that the V5C still records the number of the previous engine ('N2092'). The machine's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding.