The Michael ("Mick") Brough Collection, 1930 Sunbeam 493cc Model 9 Twin Port

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 sidevalve 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.

This overhead-valve Sunbeam was purchased by Michael Brough from Bonhams' Stafford sale in April 2023. At that time we said: "This Vintage-era Sunbeam was rescued in 2007 from a barn in Germany (near the Czech Republic border) where it had been laid up prior to WW2 and remained undercover for 70-plus years. Slightly modified from original specification by its original German owner, this machine was reportedly campaigned at various European dirt-track races during the early 1930s. Apparently the bike was crashed in a race and the forks and front wheel were damaged. A replacement set of NSU forks was fitted to continue campaigning, and these were subsequently replaced with a complete (and better handling) 1932 Sunbeam front end (forks, hub, wheel, etc).

"The motorcycle was subsequently repatriated to the UK. An exhaustive tear down, inspection, and reassembly was conducted over the following 10 years, requiring only the reinstatement of the original kickstart lever and fitting a kickstart return spring, kickstart shaft, and quadrant. The main engine bearings were renewed, new valve guides fitted, and the valves and seats refreshed; these being the only renovations needed. All of the replaced parts are included in the sale, in addition to another set of correct valves/springs and a piston (should they be required in the future). A new, correct left-side tank knee grip was installed also and the wheels shod with new Dunlop tubes and Avon tyres."

Since acquiring the machine, Michael continued to improve it, replacing the mudguards and handlebars with more correct examples and sourcing a more appropriate saddle in keeping with the original specification. Accompanying the motorcycle is a bare-metal oil tank; two toolboxes (including a well-presented leather example): a Brooklands-type silencer: a secondary chain case: and various exhaust pipe components.

The Marston registrar kindly confirms the following:

BF 8892 - is an age-related registration number, issued in Staffordshire post 1960. Both frame and engine numbers correlate with a 1930 Model 9, of the type fitted with a twin-port head from new. Engine size would be 493cc, and the bike came onto the Register in 2023 when acquired by Michael.

Believed to be one of approximately 63 surviving 1930 Model 9 motorcycles, this charming and highly desirable Vintage Sunbeam presents an excellent opportunity for a new owner to undertake a degree of recommissioning or sympathetic restoration before returning it to the road.

The machine is offered with a 2008 Geoff Brazendale letter; 2018 MOT certificate; 2019 Marston Sunbeam inspection form; 2019 Marston Sunbeam statement of search; 2019 VMCC statement of search; Bonhams' invoice; DVLA correspondence; and a V5C Registration Certificate.

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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