The David Plant Collection, 1933 Sunbeam 493cc Model 90

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 Model 90 in particular being a match for anything in its class by the decade's end.

With rival makes introducing overhead-camshaft models, Sunbeam went down the OHC route for 1925 with what were known in the works the 'Crocodiles'. Unsuccessful in its debut season, the overhead-cam Sunbeam was prematurely abandoned at the year's end and the factory racers went back to the well-tried OHV design. Following a disappointing 1926 Isle of Man TT, when all but two of its Senior entries retired with broken forks, Sunbeam looked forward to better results in '27. Increased participation in international events saw Graham Walker win the 500cc class at the Nurburgring's Grand Prix de Europe and finish 2nd at the Swiss GP, while Charlie Dodson bagged a 2nd in the Swiss 350 race and won that class at the Ulster. Success continued to elude Sunbeam at the TT, although works rider Tommy Spann came close to a leader-board finish in the Senior event, only to retire with a broken crankshaft on the last lap while in 2nd place behind eventual winner Alec Bennett (Norton).

Despite the wholesale failure of the works 350s in the 1928 Isle of Man Junior TT, Sunbeam at last came good in the Senior event, Charles Dodson winning an eventful race after crashing and remounting, while 7th and 15th places for team-mates Francesco Franconi and Luigi Arcangeli ensured the Wolverhampton marque of the Team Prize. Dodson triumphed again in the Senior in 1929, the year turning out to be an outstanding one for Sunbeam with wins at the French, German, Austrian and Italian Grands Prix. 1930 was Rudge's year at the Isle of Man, and with its Competitions Department's activities severely curtailed because of Depression-induced financial cutbacks, Sunbeam was never again the hunt for TT honours.

Acquired by the vendor in 1995, this restored Model 90 is offered with a continuation logbook dating from 1958 when it was registered to one Henry Eastwood of Peterborough. The Sunbeam subsequently passed to Christopher McCartney of Eye, Peterborough, who became the registered keeper in July 1961. The machine is recorded as taxed and in use in 1958, 1959, 1961 and 1962. The logbook records the date of first registration as 1st June 1933. Also on file are photographs of the machine 'as found' and prior to restoration.

An accompanying letter from Sunbeam authority Robert Cordon Champ addressed to Mr Holford-Jones of Sutton Coldfield states that 'OC 573' is a genuine 1933 Model 90 Sunbeam, the supply details of which correspond with the vehicle's logbook. He also notes that the machine has a 21" front wheel, which by that date was generally specified only by more sporting riders. The gearbox is stamped with the 'BW' prefix, indicating the less extreme ratios, although it is suggested that close-ratio gears may be found inside. Bob Champ concludes by stating that he has no doubt the machine is the genuine article. The Model 90 was purchased by the vendor via Bob Terry in 1991, at which time it was described as approximately 60% refurbished. Offered with old/current V5/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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