LOT 220

The Bob Howard Collection 1934 Sunbeam 600cc Model 7 Lion Registration no. JV 2160 Frame no. 492.1.367 (see text) Engine no. 7B.490.1.344

Sold for £4,025 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 220

The Bob Howard Collection, 1934 Sunbeam 600cc Model 7 Lion

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|12 October 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

The Bob Howard Collection
1934 Sunbeam 600cc Model 7 Lion
Registration no. JV 2160
Frame no. 492.1.367 (see text)
Engine no. 7B.490.1.344

Sunbeam's famous 'longstroke' 500cc sidevalve engine first appeared at the 1921 French Grand Prix, scoring a debut win in the hands of Alec Bennett, and in road-going form this remarkable engine remained in production right up until WW2. A version of it powered the new-for-1931 Model 6 Lion. Introduced in the summer of 1930, the revamped Lion replaced the old Model 6 and featured the innovations - for Sunbeam - of a chromium-plated fuel tank and Webb-pattern girder forks. A 598cc Model 7 Lion joined the range the following year and the two sidevalve workhorses continued in production - surviving Sunbeam's 1937 sale to AMC, relocation to Plumstead and the axing of the rest of the traditional models - until the outbreak of WW2.

It should be noted that this Lion's various registration documents record the frame number as '7B49210367'; however, there is no 7B prefix present and the addition of a zero would appear to be a clerical error. These registration documents describe the machine as a Motorcycle Combination, probably indicating previous sidecar use. The odometer reading is 8 miles but it is not known whether or not this is since last recommissioning or rebuild. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent and thus is sold strictly as viewed (inspection highly recommended).
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.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Autumn Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

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