
LOT 522
1954 Sunbeam 489cc S8 Registration no. JCO 950 Frame no. S8 7660 Engine no. S8 12547
Estimate: £4,000 - £6,000
Lot 522
1954 Sunbeam 489cc S8
The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1954 Sunbeam 489cc S8
Registration no. JCO 950
Frame no. S8 7660
Engine no. S8 12547
Registration no. JCO 950
Frame no. S8 7660
Engine no. S8 12547
A wartime design by Erling Poppe, the Sunbeam inline twin was introduced by BSA, owners of Sunbeam Cycles Limited, in 1947. A luxury tourer inspired by the pre-war BMW, it was of advanced specification with overhead-camshaft engine, shaft drive and plunger rear suspension. The clutch housing and four-speed gearbox bolted directly to the back of the engine, which was rubber mounted in the duplex loop frame, an innovation that required a flexible joint in the exhaust system ahead of the silencer. The first S7 version was equipped with balloon tyres, a feature not carried over to the deliberately more conventional, and also lighter and cheaper, S8 introduced in 1949. The front fork and 7" brake were now standard BSA components and there were numerous other changes made in the interests of rationalisation. Never as popular as BSA's more performance orientated models, the gentlemanly S7 and S8 remained in production until 1957.
This S8 was purchased by the vendor in 2021. Later that same year various restoration works were carried out to include professionally relining and repainting the fuel tank; fitting new fuel lines and taps; and fitting new tyres/tubes (invoices of file). There are also receipts present accumulated during previous ownership. Run earlier this year, the machine is offered with a copy of The Book of the Sunbeam; Stewart Engineering parts list; and old/current V5/V5C documents. It should be noted that the frame and engine numbers are transposed on the V5C.
This S8 was purchased by the vendor in 2021. Later that same year various restoration works were carried out to include professionally relining and repainting the fuel tank; fitting new fuel lines and taps; and fitting new tyres/tubes (invoices of file). There are also receipts present accumulated during previous ownership. Run earlier this year, the machine is offered with a copy of The Book of the Sunbeam; Stewart Engineering parts list; and old/current V5/V5C documents. It should be noted that the frame and engine numbers are transposed on the V5C.
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 lot is offered with a key.






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