The Dale Winfield Motorcycle Collection, 1935 Sunbeam 493cc Model 95R

• An older restoration
• Present ownership since 1992
• Requires recommissioning

Already established as makers of high-quality bicycles, the firm of John Marston Ltd, of Wolverhampton, introduced the first Sunbeam motorcycle, a 350 sidevalve single, in 1912. The marque quickly established a reputation for sporting prowess, achieving second place in the 1914 Isle of Man Senior TT and winning the 1920 race. Overhead-valve engines were introduced in the mid-1920s but early successes were achieved with sidevalve machines, most notably the 492cc 'long-stroke' that secured a debut win at the 1921 French Grand Prix. 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.

Introduced for 1933 after a try out at the previous year's Isle of Man TT races, the Model 95R 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 revised single-port bronze cylinder head with down-draught inlet port. Top speed was in the region of 95mph, with 80mph attainable in third gear and 71mph in second.

One of 17 Model 95Rs recorded in the MSC&R Register (three dating from 1935), this example has been completely restored by the late owner. Two previous owners are known: Mr Fred Gradwell, who is listed on the accompanying RF.60 logbook issued in 1957, and Mr J J Kavanagh, who was a member of the Sunbeam Club. Our vendor purchased the Sunbeam from the aforementioned Mr Gradwell in 1992.

Other paperwork includes photocopies of Fred Gradwell's and our vendor's old V5 documents, and a 1983 letter from Mr Gradwell to the DVLA requesting the retention of the registration number. Also on file are photographs of the bike pre-restoration, and four pages of itemised restoration notes. It should be noted that the HPI printout lists frame number '95R49771149' and engine number '95R-495-4-1446'. Believed unused since restoration, this motorcycle will require recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Key not required.

Key not required