The David Plant Collection, 1929 Sunbeam 600cc Model 9

Sunbeam had begun experimenting with overhead valves on their factory racers in the early 1920s and these duly appeared on production models in 1924. The new '500' sports roadster was known as the Model 9 - the '350' as the Model 8 - while its racing counterpart, which could top 90mph, was accordingly designated the Model 90. The overhead-valve Model 9's frame and cycle parts, which had much in common with those of Sunbeam's larger side-valve models, evolved slowly. Sunbeam missed the industry's virtually wholesale switch from flat-tank to saddle-tank frames for the 1928 season, and a saddle-tank version of the Model 9 did not appear until September of that year. Changes to the Model 9's engine were confined mainly to its top-end. The early flat-tankers featured a straight-ahead exhaust port, a peculiarity which necessitated the adoption of a bifurcated down-tube. Pushrod enclosure had arrived by 1930 to be followed a couple of years later by partial enclosure of the rocker gear.

Belonging to our vendor since 1989, this Sunbeam Model 9 appears to consist of a mixture of restored and restored components (the fuel tank has remnants of the original lining and Sunbeam transfer). The machine comes with a continuation logbook issued July 1945, recording the owner at that time as Arthur Crossless of Elland. The logbook records the date of first registration as 23rd March 1929, and the machine is shown as passing through five subsequent private owners, all in the Yorkshire area. The Sunbeam is recorded as taxed until 1964, and at one point is noted as having been attached to a sidecar. The logbook's engine and frame numbers correspond with those stamped on the machine (the original engine 'L3230' is included in the sale).

The history file also contains MoT certificates dated June 1983, August 1988 and July 1997, the earlier examples having been issued in Yorkshire. Further documentation includes a 1929 Sunbeam motorcycle manual and tax discs dated 2010–2015.

An invoice from Chris Odling is on file for a full engine rebuild carried out in April 2008 at a cost of £4,755, relating to the engine currently fitted (numbered 'L3001'), which is now of 600cc capacity. The original engine, 'L3230', is included in the sale. The file also includes a Sunbeam motorcycle manual for 1929 together with a further MoT certificate dated July 1997.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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