The David Plant Collection, The ex-Peter Bradley, 1927 Sunbeam 500cc Model 9 with Model 90 engine

"As usual, Peter Bradley continued to clean up in sidecarring, winning the Colmore, Victory, Reliance, Kickham Memorial and Southern Trials aboard his 600 ohv flat-tank special." - Robert Cordon Champ, The Sunbeam Motorcycle.

This historically important Sunbeam Model 90 carries the registration 'UK 2884', which in-period evidence suggests was ridden by Peter Bradley, a distinguished amateur rider associated with Sunbeam. A closely related machine, 'UK 2882', was ridden by works rider George Dance, and period photographs and literature on file reference both machines. 'UK 2884' is recorded by the HPI as first registered on 31st December 1927, exactly one year after 'UK 2882'. This appears unusual and may indicate a discrepancy or anomaly in the surviving registration records, and prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to the accuracy of this information.

The history file contains a quantity of photocopied period images showing Bradley in competition, including images of 'UK 2884', with some featuring his father, Ernest Bradley. Also included is a photograph of 'UK 2882', together with a period AC Plugs advertisement (The Motor Cycle, 7th April 1927) depicting George Dance aboard that machine. Further correspondence on file discusses the motorcycle's identity, including a letter from the vendor to Jeff Brazendale, dated 8th January 2016, noting the discovery that one of his earliest Sunbeams had been owned by Peter Bradley, understood to have been a Sunbeam-supported sidecar rider.

Also included are copies of period competition reports. These, together with other reference material on file, provide useful context for Bradley's competition activities and the broader appeal of Sunbeam machines in period, particularly in reliability trials and ISDT events of the 1930s. Overall, the file suggests a compelling association with Peter Bradley and period competition use, although, as with many machines of this era, further research may be required to fully substantiate its precise history and registration chronology.

Peter Bradley was an active inter-war trials and reliability rider associated with Sunbeam motorcycles, competing in events including the Dunlop Trophy Trial, Redditch Open Trial (where he is noted as part of a team prize-winning entry), and winning the Terry Golden Goblet Trial. In 1926 he won the 'Best Amateur' award at the Scottish Six Days Trial and in 1931 competed in the ISDT, suffering various misfortunes and eventually retiring. He fared much better the following year, helping the British team secure victory in the Trophy competition.

Bradley competed as a sidecar rider and may have benefited from a degree of factory or semi-works support, as was common practice among leading private entrants of the period. His activities place him firmly within the competitive trialling scene of the late 1920s and 1930s, where Sunbeam machines earned a reputation for durability and performance. Copies of period photographs, including images of Bradley with the machine and alongside his father Ernest Bradley, further supports this motorcycle's association with contemporary competition use.

The machine is an older restoration, likely carried out some considerable time ago, now displaying cracking and crazing to the top of the fuel tank. The exhaust is currently secured by a cable, and the leather seat cover is missing. Offered with vendor notes, an HPI report, and old/current V5/V5C documents.

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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