LOT 522

Offered from the Collection of Carole Nash c.1928 Sunbeam 3½hp Model 6 'Longstroke' Registration no. not registered Frame no. B2094 Engine no. J2422

Sold for £9,775 inc. premium

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Lot 522

Offered from the Collection of Carole Nash,c.1928 Sunbeam 3½hp Model 6 'Longstroke'
Registration no. not registered Frame no. B2094 Engine no. J2422

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|12 December 2020, 10:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

Offered from the Collection of Carole Nash
c.1928 Sunbeam 3½hp Model 6 'Longstroke'
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. B2094
Engine no. J2422

The first Sunbeam motorcycle left the Wolverhampton premises of John Marston Ltd, 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 quickly established a reputation for sporting prowess, achieving 2nd place in the 1914 Isle of Man Senior TT and winning the 1920 race. 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. The Model 6 'Longstroke' had gained drum brakes by the mid-1920s, and in lightweight guise with low handlebars and minimal equipment was known as the 'Speedman's Machine'.

Believed an older restoration, although obviously requiring further refurbishment, this Sunbeam 'Longstroke' was purchased in 1994 having belonged to one Cyril Marston of Pudsey since 1984. The frame and engine numbers are correct for 1928 and therefore are possibly matching; however, the frame number does not match that on the V5C and so the machine is offered without documents and sold strictly as viewed.

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

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Additional information

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