LOT 211

The David Plant Collection 1929 Sunbeam 3½hp Model 6 'Longstroke' Registration no. not registered (see text) Frame no. B2498 (see text) Engine no. J2484

Sold for £5,980 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 211

The David Plant Collection, 1929 Sunbeam 3½hp Model 6 'Longstroke'

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|26 April 2026, 11:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

The David Plant Collection
1929 Sunbeam 3½hp Model 6 'Longstroke'
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. B2498 (see text)
Engine no. J2484

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 1992, this Model 6 is presented in 'oily rag' condition and was last taxed until May 2015. The history file contains a purchase receipt dated 8th May 1992, at which time the owner was one H Walker. Also on file is a continuation logbook issued January 1948, which records the date of first registration as 4th July 1928. The logbook does not list the frame number stamped on the machine, although the engine number is recorded correctly. The registration number shown in the logbook is 'YW 9884'. The HPI report lists a different frame number, 'B2410', and the current engine number, 'J2484'. As such the machine is offered unregistered. 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.
Key not required

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Spring Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 26 April, with the auction starting at 11:30am BST.

Additional information

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25 April 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
26 April 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

£5,000 - £7,000

United Kingdom

A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,

£4,000 - £6,000

The David Plant Collection, 1929 Sunbeam 3½hp Model 6 'Longstroke'

The David Plant Collection1929 Sunbeam 3½hp Model 6 'Longstroke'Registration no. not registered (see text)Frame no. B2498 (see text)Engine no. J2484

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The David Plant Collection
1929 Sunbeam 3½hp Model 6 'Longstroke'
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. B2498 (see text)
Engine no. J2484