
LOT 520
1951 Sunbeam S8 Registration no. LXP 301 Frame no. S8-4512 Engine no. S8-7040
Sold for £2,300 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 520
1951 Sunbeam S8
The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1951 Sunbeam S8
Registration no. LXP 301
Frame no. S8-4512
Engine no. S8-7040
Registration no. LXP 301
Frame no. S8-4512
Engine no. S8-7040
The bike is accompanied with a useful quantity of relevant literature, including the original bill of sale from from Elite Motors, dated May 1951, for a few pence under £259. LXP's Second owner – a lifelong motorcycle owner, rider, and enthusiast – purchased the S8 privately in 1975, and states that due to employment commitments his overall personal mileage on the bike is less than 2,000 miles. Last ridden in 2010 the motorcycle has since been stored within his built-in garage.
All the accessories and modified components – including the BSA flywheel with its better performing large diameter hub – were supplied and fitted by the first owner but, after acquisition and some initial rides, the owner soon discarded the screen, paniers, leg shields et in order that the bike would be less cluttered, and more manoeuvrable. Due to an increasing amount of overseas work [and eventual residency abroad) the Sunbeam was laid up, pending the owners retirement.
The bike's high mileage, and possibly its mechanical history, is likely explained by the two boxes of mostly pre-used parts, which were inherited from the first owner. With an accumulated mileage in excess of 50,000 miles, a 1950s Sunbeam machine would clearly have required a fair amount of mechanical attention plus a variety of replacement parts. Close inspection of this worthwhile restoration project is recommended and the machine will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
All the accessories and modified components – including the BSA flywheel with its better performing large diameter hub – were supplied and fitted by the first owner but, after acquisition and some initial rides, the owner soon discarded the screen, paniers, leg shields et in order that the bike would be less cluttered, and more manoeuvrable. Due to an increasing amount of overseas work [and eventual residency abroad) the Sunbeam was laid up, pending the owners retirement.
The bike's high mileage, and possibly its mechanical history, is likely explained by the two boxes of mostly pre-used parts, which were inherited from the first owner. With an accumulated mileage in excess of 50,000 miles, a 1950s Sunbeam machine would clearly have required a fair amount of mechanical attention plus a variety of replacement parts. Close inspection of this worthwhile restoration project is recommended and the machine will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
Footnotes
All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
This machine is offered with a set of keys, V5C and buff logbook, confirming this as a matching frame and engine number example. It is fitted with a BSA front wheel, not a BSA flywheel. Close inspection of the spare parts that accompany the machine is highly recommended.













Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section

Auction Viewings
- 14 October 2023, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 15 October 2023, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Triumph T90 Racer
£1,500 - £3,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1978 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI
£1,500 - £2,500
United Kingdom
Coming soon
c.1970 Moto Guzzi 850GT
£1,500 - £2,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
c.1970 Honda CB450 DOHC
£1,500 - £2,500
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1982 Yamaha XS650
£1,800 - £2,400
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1969 Moto Guzzi V7 Special
£1,500 - £2,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1978 Yamaha XS650 Special
£1,800 - £2,400
United Kingdom
Coming soon
c.1965 Yamaha 305 YM1
£1,800 - £2,400
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1972 Ducati 350 Mk3
£2,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1976 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI
£2,000 - £3,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1976 Honda CB750
£2,400 - £4,400
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1971 Honda CB750
£2,400 - £4,400
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1978 Ducati SD 900 Darmah
£2,400 - £3,400
United Kingdom
A Victorian pedal car, circa 1900,
£1,800 - £2,400























