LOT 238

1928 Sunbeam 492cc Model 6 'Longstroke' Registration no. RM 5309 Frame no. B1849A Engine no. L1147 (see text)

Sold for £8,625 inc. premium

Lot 238

1928 Sunbeam 492cc Model 6 'Longstroke'

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|13 October 2024, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1928 Sunbeam 492cc Model 6 'Longstroke'
Registration no. RM 5309
Frame no. B1849A
Engine no. L1147 (see text)

The first Sunbeam motorcycle - a 350cc (2¾hp) side-valve single - left the Wolverhampton premises of John Marston, hitherto a manufacturer of finest quality enamelled goods, bicycles and - latterly - cars, in 1912. Overhead-valve engines were introduced in the mid-1920s but early competition successes were achieved with sidevalve-engined machines, most notably the 492cc (3½hp) 'Longstroke', which secured a debut win at the 1921 French Grand Prix ridden by Alec Bennett. In road-going form this remarkable engine remained in production right up until WW2. The Model 6 'Longstroke' had gained drum brakes by the mid-1920s, and in lightweight guise with low handlebars and minimal equipment was known as the 'Speedman's Machine'.
First registered on 31st July 1928, this delightfully patinated 'Longstroke' comes with a V5C document and an old-style green continuation logbook listing three owners, the last being the vendor's late brother, who acquired the Sunbeam in 1978. Incomplete, the machine is offered for recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration and thus is sold strictly as viewed. It should be noted that the engine is a replacement unit.
Key not required

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.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE

Please click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles.

To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving Motorcycles

To request an International shipping quote - Shippio

This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 13 October starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

Please note that the V5C still records the previous engine number of J1910 opposed to the engine presently fitted L1147, which the Sunbeam Club advise are the crankcases from a 1927 Model 9.

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.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-88) the Buyers Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 101-176 & 201-429) the Buyers Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
Buyers attention is drawn to Condition 7 of the Notice to Bidders. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles