The David Plant Collection, 1921 Sunbeam 6hp V-Twin

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 second 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.

To extend its range into the sidecar-towing market, Sunbeam needed a v-win engine and turned to proprietary power units from JAP, Abingdon King Dick and MAG, the first of these twin-cylinder models - with JAP power - appearing in the 1914 catalogue. This 770cc, 6hp model was produced for the 1914 season only, being superseded by the AKD-powered version for 1915. The following year the twin was built using the 8hp Swiss MAG engine, while from 1917 onwards JAP were back in favour and would continue to supply their 8hp (996cc) engines until production of Sunbeam's v-twin models ceased in 1923. During WWI these twin-cylinder Sunbeams were attached to sidecars and used to transport injured soldiers away from the front lines. Survivors are rare.

An older restoration that has been ridden, this rare twin-cylinder Sunbeam has belonged to the vendor since 1986. The machine comes with an MoT certificate dating from August 1988 and a photocopied owner's instruction book for the 1923 Sunbeam. 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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