The David Plant Collection, 1914 Sunbeam 3½hp

The first Sunbeam motorcycle - a 350cc side-valve single - left the Wolverhampton premises of John Marston, hitherto a manufacturer of finest quality enamelled goods, bicycles and - latterly - cars, in 1912. Designed by Harry Stevens (later to found AJS) the 2¾hp Sunbeam was equipped with a two-speed countershaft gearbox and fully enclosed all-chain drive, proving an instant success in an era when the norm was hub gears and belt-drive. Like Marston's other products, his motorcycles soon established a reputation for sound construction and exemplary finish. Their racetrack performances did nothing to discourage sales either.

Howard Davies (later to found the H.R.D. marque) finished 2nd in the 1914 Senior TT on his and Sunbeam's first visit to the Island, and Tommy De La Hay inherited victory in the 1920 Senior after George Dance, also Sunbeam-mounted, retired while leading. Sunbeam's second model was the John Greenwood-designed 3½hp of 1913. A sidevalve single like its predecessor, the 3½hp came with a three-speed hand-change gearbox and fully enclosed oil-bath chain cases, the latter first seen on the company's bicycles. With the coming of WWI, most of Sunbeam's production was earmarked for Allied forces, the biggest 'home' user being the Royal Naval Air Service (forerunner of the Fleet Air Arm), which ordered the 3½hp as its favoured model.

This Veteran-era Sunbeam was purchased by the vendor from Brooks' auction at The Classic and Motorcycle Mechanics Show on Sunday 15th October 2000 (Lot 221). At the time of the Brooks sale the registered keeper was Brian Moore of Hildersham, Cambridge, a former President of the Veteran Car Club, who had acquired the machine in May 1999. The present vendor is the subsequent recorded owner.

The history file contains extensive early documentation including a letter dated 22nd March 1979 from the Department of Transport Central Storage Repository addressed to a Mr Lightfoot. The letter asks whether he was still the owner of the vehicle and, if so, whether he wished to receive the original logbooks dating back to 1921 before the remaining manual records were destroyed. The letter, signed by Mrs B Fox, notes that the documents were not official but were offered so that the owner could retain the vehicle's history. A subsequent letter thanks Mr Lightfoot for sending a photograph of the motorcycle and confirms that the historic logbooks and original registration document had been enclosed and returned to him.

Several early logbooks are present; the first, dated 15th January 1921, describes the machine as a 3½hp Sunbeam and records taxation from December 1921 through to December 1924. A continuation logbook was issued on 30th March 1925. The owner in 1921 is recorded as one F E Stevens of 1 Beechwood Road, Leagrave, Luton. Also included in the file is Stevens' original Form RF1 application for a licence, dated 3rd January 1921.

A later logbook issued in July 1957 records the machine in the ownership of Arthur Prince's Garages, Loughborough. In March 1963 it passed to Thomas William ('Tom') Lightfoot of 10 Kings Road, Wimbledon, and the machine is shown as taxed between 1957 and 1964. During this period it is also described as a bicycle and sidecar. A further logbook issued on 12th March 1965 still records Lightfoot as the owner, by which time he had moved to Staines, Middlesex. Lightfoot was a jeweller and he and his wife Rita were noted Veteran car enthusiasts. Also on file is a Pioneer Certificate issued on 18th December 1961 in the name of Tom Lightfoot. The file also contains a photocopy of the Sunbeam 3½hp Motorcycles and Sidecars Parts List, 1914–1921.

An older restoration, the machine's notable features include a Sunbeam MCC Pioneer Register plaque; P&H headlamp and rear lamp; Tan-Sad type rear pillion seat; Lucas horn; three-speed gearbox (stamped 'JT 12230 144'); and a Bosch magneto. The Sunbeam was last taxed until December 2013. Offered with old/current V5C documents. The engine turns over.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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