LOT 486

1937 Sunbeam Model 9A and Swallow De Luxe Launch Sidecar Registration no. DUU 167 Frame no. 351.0.2838 Engine no. 9C.519.0.3163.

Sold for £17,250 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 486

1937 Sunbeam Model 9A and Swallow De Luxe Launch Sidecar

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|21 April 2024, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1937 Sunbeam Model 9A and Swallow De Luxe Launch Sidecar
Registration no. DUU 167
Frame no. 351.0.2838
Engine no. 9C.519.0.3163.

Sunbeam had begun experimenting with overhead valves on their factory racers in the early 1920s, and these duly appeared on production models in 1924. Known as the Model 9, the John Greenwood-designed '500' roadster was advanced for its day, boasting a specification that included a crankshaft supported by three ball-bearings, dry-sump lubrication, and a primary drive enclosed in a cast-alloy chain case. Power was transmitted by chain to a three-speed, 'cross-over-drive' gearbox with offside power take-off. The 'box gained four speeds as part of an extensive redesign for 1932, at which time an over-bored, 599cc version of the Model 9 - the 9A - became available, but by 1937 all Sunbeams were being built with a Burman gearbox. The Model 9A was last catalogued for 1938 (as the 'A28' or 'Series 2') by which time Sunbeams were being produced at Plumstead Road, Woolwich by new owners Associated Motor Cycles.

This magnificent Sunbeam combination is a veritable show business 'veteran', having appeared in the film Enigma (2001) and the television series Marple and Just William, and even a Bollywood movie. John Marchant purchased the combination in March 1995. The sales receipt is on file and the machine also comes with some photocopied literature; sundry invoices; expired MoTs; old/current V5/V5C documents; an original Swallow brochure; an original maintenance instructions book; and a copy of Pitman's The Book of the Sunbeam.

This machine has been stored in dry conditions and has seen little or no use since 2016. Accordingly, it is sold strictly as viewed and may require varying degrees of recommissioning and/or restoration prior to further use.

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.

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 21 April starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

The frame number is machine is 9C351.0.2838. The frame number on the HPI and V5C is 9C52162838, believed to be an old typographical error.

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 client services.
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