LOT 215

The David Plant Collection 1939 Sunbeam 340cc B24 Registration no. not registered Frame no. 1199 Engine no. B24 E 611

Sold for £5,175 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 215

The David Plant Collection, 1939 Sunbeam 340cc B24

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

The David Plant Collection
1939 Sunbeam 340cc B24
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 1199
Engine no. B24 E 611

"In October of the year (1938) came the expected new additions. An engine had been on the stocks at AMC for some time and eventually was chosen to power a hopefully revitalised Sunbeam range. Made in 246cc to 598cc sizes it was of the 'high camshaft' type and very much more square in internal dimensions than the old Greenwood engines." - Robert Cordon Champ, The Sunbeam Motorcycle.

Having acquired Sunbeam from ICI, Associated Motor Cycles introduced a new range for 1939 aimed at maintaining the Wolverhampton marque's traditions of sound engineering and superlative finish. Designed by Bert Collier, the '39 'Beams featured new 'high camshaft' overhead-valve engines with full-pressure lubrication and enclosed valve gear. The range consisted of 246, 347, 497 and 598cc models, while 'S' sports versions came with high-compression pistons, polished cylinder heads, check-spring front forks, sportier mudguards, upswept exhausts and chromed tanks. Although built with longevity in mind, the 'high cam' - suitably lightened - proved an effective trials mount in the hands of Geoff Godber-Ford, who notched up a succession of victories in the 500 class before war intervened. Sadly, the 'high cam' models did not reappear post-war, by which time AMC had sold Sunbeam to BSA. It is believed that only 600-or-so were made.

Possibly dating from December 1939, only a few months after the start of WW2, this example is probably one of the very last produced. The Sunbeam was acquired by the current vendor in 1995, and in 2007 was ridden by Roger Luckman in the Isle of Man TT Re-enactment. According to our vendor this is "Probably one of the best Sunbeams produced since the early 1930s. A well-built machine with good brakes and a fair turn of speed". There are no documents with this Lot. 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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