Property of a deceased's estate, 1933 Sunbeam 493cc Model 95

Registration no. JW 3681 Frame no. FX144 Engine no. 95L.495.1X.496 (see text)

• Rare last-of-the line sporting Sunbeam
• Potentially an experimental or prototype machine, possibly for competition use
• The only machine recorded in the Sunbeam Register with an 'FX' frame number prefix.



By the mid-1920s George Dance's development programme had moulded the overhead-valve Sunbeam into one of the most formidable racing motorcycles of the Vintage era, the 500cc TT Model 90 in particular being a match for anything in its class by the decade's end. Despite the wholesale failure of the works 350s in the 1928 Isle of Man Junior TT, Sunbeam at last came good in the Senior event, Charles Dodson winning an eventful race after crashing and remounting. Dodson triumphed again in the Senior in 1929, the year turning out to be an outstanding one for Sunbeam with wins at the French, German, Austrian and Italian Grands Prix. 1930 was Rudge's year at the Isle of Man, and with its Competitions Department's activities severely curtailed because of Depression-induced financial cutbacks, Sunbeam was never again in the hunt for TT honours.

Introduced for 1933 after a try out at the previous year's Isle of Man TT races, the Model 95 was an improved Model 90. Most obvious external differences between it and its predecessor were the newcomer's larger fuel tank, positive-stop foot change, bigger brakes and a revised single-port bronze cylinder head with downdraft inlet port, while inside the engine the lubrication system was improved. Top speed was in the region of 95mph with 80mph attainable in third gear and 71mph in second. Three versions: 95; 95L (lights-equipped); and 95R (racing) were produced over only three seasons (1933-1935), though very few were sold in '33, and today this rare last-of-the line sporting Sunbeam is highly prized.

This early Model 95 was first registered (in the Wolverhampton area) on 14th October 1933. It is one of only a tiny handful of Sunbeams to include an 'X' in the frame and engine numbers, this marking being thought to denote experimental or prototype machines, possibly for competition use. This Model 95 is the only machine recorded in the Sunbeam Register to have an 'FX' frame number prefix.

It is not known when the vendor's late father acquired this rare Sunbeam 95, but it must have been prior to November 1983 when the accompanying old-style V5 document was issued. An older restoration, 'JW 6831' will require re-commissioning before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed, its mechanical condition being unknown. A rare model, beautiful to look at and reputedly superb to ride, this splendid Sunbeam 95 is sure to delight the fortunate next owner. Offered with an old-style V5C Registration Certificate (recording the engine number as 'EX272').
Offered without key