LOT 434

1933 Sunbeam 23.8hp 'Folding Head' Coupé Registration no. SN169 Chassis no. 7112R

Sold for £45,000 inc. premium

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Lot 434

1933 Sunbeam 23.8hp 'Folding Head' Coupé
Registration no. SN169 Chassis no. 7112R

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|5 September 2021, 10:30 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1933 Sunbeam 23.8hp 'Folding Head' Coupé
Registration no. SN169
Chassis no. 7112R

Odometer reading: TBC
MOT: Exempt

*One of only 14 produced
*Known ownership history
*Expertly maintained by Dr Jim Catnach

Footnotes

One of 14 produced, of which only two are known to survive, this handsome Sunbeam 23.8hp Folding Head Coupé comes with an extensive history file. The history of 'SN 169' has been well researched by a previous owner, John Tomsett, and is recounted in his article in the STD Register Journal of winter 2009 (copy on file and well worth a read). Mr Tomsett's research revealed that the Sunbeam's first owner was David Johnstone-Smith, a wealthy Scottish accountant. When Mr Johnstone-Smith passed away, the Sunbeam was sold to his local doctor, Dr Thomas Collier-Findlay.

Circa 1955/56, 'SN 169' was purchased by Malcolm Templeton. In 1970 Mr Templeton sold the Sunbeam and it was purchased in the 1990s by Tony Howarth. 'SN 169' then passed through a number of dealers in the North West including Mark Prosser in Altrincham, who had the car re-commissioned by Merlin Classics. From John Aitkins the car passed to Peter Webb in 1992, remaining with him until purchased by John Tomsett.

The current owner, a Sunbeam enthusiast, acquired 'SN 169' in 2012 and has enjoyed it with his family as well as the odd excursion at Goodwood (photographs on file). During this time, the car has been expertly maintained by the guru of pre-war Sunbeams, Dr Jim Catnach of Lincolnshire, with invoices for his work on file together with numerous photographs of previous restoration works.

Vendor Score Total: 77 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 18 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 3
Glass: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 4

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 15 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4

INTERIOR TOTAL: 16 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 4
Trim: 4

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4

ENGINE TOTAL: 16 /20
Starting: 4
Running: 4
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 4

Car History File: 4

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
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Motor Cars
Vehicles must be collected from the sale venue by 12 noon on Monday 6 September 2021 after which they will be uplifted to store at the buyers expense.
Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant log books, documents and keys relating to their Lot(s) at time of collection. Otherwise Lots shall be removed to storage at the Buyer's expense (see below). Lots are at the Buyer's risk from the fall of the hammer. It is strongly advisable that overseas purchasers and absentee bidders make arrangements regarding collection with Bonhams MPH in advance of Sale.
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Contact Sarah, Laura or John
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Lodge Farm Industrial Estate Northampton NN5 7UA
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All Automobilia purchased lots must be cleared from the sale venue by 6pm on Sunday 5 September 2021. All un-collected purchased lots shall then be removed to Bonhams Guildford office at the buyers expense.
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To arrange collection please contact the Automobilia Department +44 (0) 1483 445 496 or +44 (0) 1483 445 494 or email automobilia@ bonhams.com to make an appointment.
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