The David Plant Collection, 1927 Sunbeam 3½hp Model 6 'Longstroke'

The first Sunbeam motorcycle - a 350cc (2¾hp) sidevalve single - left the Wolverhampton premises of John Marston Ltd, hitherto a manufacturer of finest quality enamelled goods, bicycles and - latterly - cars, in 1912. Like Marston's other products, his motorcycles soon established a reputation for sound construction and exemplary finish. Sunbeam quickly established a reputation for sporting prowess, achieving 2nd 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-engined machines, most notably the 492cc (3½hp) 'Longstroke', which secured a debut win at the 1921 French Grand Prix ridden by Alec Bennett. In road-going form this remarkable engine remained in production right up until WW2. The Model 6 'Longstroke' had gained drum brakes by the mid-1920s, and in lightweight guise with low handlebars and minimal equipment was known as the 'Speedman's Machine'.

Purchased by the vendor in 1984, this Model 6 appears to have been restored some considerable time ago and is presented in 'oily rag' condition. The history file contains a VMCC Statement of Search to establish the date of manufacture, signed by John Underhill in June 1986, confirming the machine as a 1927 example. Also on file are several old MoT certificates, including examples dated April 1987, July 2003, June 2004, and June 2005, together with a 1927 Sunbeam Motorcycles price list for spare parts.

An old-style buff logbook on file records the date of first registration as 11th August 1927. The logbook incorrectly describes the machine as a long-stroke Model 5, however it has since been confirmed by the Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club (Marston Sunbeam Club & Register) to be a Model 6. The logbook shows the machine taxed in 1949 and again in 1961, 1963, and 1966. The recorded owner in 1953 was James Stevenson of Hanley, after which the machine passed to J Thompson of Hulme. By 1961 the Sunbeam was in the ownership of the well-known motorcycle historian Jeff Brazendale, who retained it until 1965 when it was purchased by William John Grayson Page. In 1966 ownership passed to John Edward Shepherd, before subsequently being acquired by J Hardcastle. The machine is 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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