The David Plant Collection, 1923 Sun Vitesse 2¾hp Project

Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. not located (see text)
Engine no. 76277

Birmingham-based Sun started life as a bicycle manufacturer (Sun Cycles & Fittings Company Ltd) and built its first motorcycle in 1911. Engines supplied by close neighbours Precision were used at first, there being three such models in the 1912 range. Frank Baker's Precision company had no frame making facilities so it seems likely that its own-brand motorcycles were in fact built by Sun. By the end of 1912, Sun's advertising was claiming that it products were built in 'one of the largest and best equipped works in the world for its purpose'.

Immediately after The Great War, Sun announced an all-Vitesse powered range of two-strokes, adding Blackburne-, JAP- and Villiers-engined models in the early 1920s. Sun ceased motorcycle production at the end of 1933 but maintained its interests in the manufacture of high-quality bicycles. Motorcycle production resumed after WW2 with an autocycle, and the firm concentrated thereafter on Villiers-powered lightweights. Throughout its life, Sun had been owned by the Parkes Family, and when chairman Fred Parkes retired in 1961, control of the firm passed to Raleigh Industries, which promptly discontinued the motorcycle and scooter side of the business.

This Vintage-era Sun is offered as an incomplete restoration project (the engine turns over). Accompanying the motorcycle is an archive of historical correspondence, research material, and original documentation dating from 1925–1995 relating to the identification, ownership, specification, and restoration of the machine. Included within the file is an original buff continuation logbook recording ownership history from 1925 to 1978, together with a series of letters exchanged between former owners and Veteran motorcycle enthusiasts including Thomas Watson, Allan Burt, Kim Siddorn, and noted VMCC Sun Register authority, Jack Sizer. The correspondence confirms the motorcycle as an early Sun Cycle & Fittings Co lightweight fitted with a VTS/Vitesse two-stroke engine (number '76277'), identified by Sizer in 1995 as a 1915-built 269cc unit.

The archive also contains period technical observations concerning the machine's unusual offset-mounted Vitesse engine arrangement; external flywheel; bifurcated down-tube exhaust routing; separate-feed lubrication system; Albion gearbox; belt final drive; and Thompson Bennett/BT-H magneto equipment. Also on file is correspondence explaining that the distinctive engine and gearbox alignment characteristics are believed to be original features of the Vitesse-powered configuration rather than evidence of later modification. Also included are contemporary restoration notes, engine dating references, descriptions and sketches of the original tank lining and 'THE SUN' insignia, together with discussion regarding missing and replacement components.

A hand-annotated copy of the November 15th 1956 Motor Cycling magazine article depicting a similar early Sun/Villiers lightweight is on file, the annotation stating that the illustrated machine is 'the same' as the motorcycle offered. From the buff logbook (on the basis that the book belongs to this motorcycle), the machine was first registered on 21st July 1923 and is described as a Sun Vitesse 1923 model with engine 'EX110' and frame 'A2608'. We also have the following ownership details; some handwriting is faint, but this appears to be the sequence recorded:

25th February 1925, Alex Donald, 47 Castle Street, Forfar, Scotland
14th March 1931, James B Nelson, 12 Nursery Street, Forfar, Scotland
7th April 1933, Gordon Stuart, County Hotel, Forfar, Scotland
30th May 1933, Jack Menzies Carrie, 15 East Sunnyside, Forfar, Scotland
15th March 1978, Thomas Gordon Watson, The Hallows, Bowscar, Penrith, Cumbria
1978–1995, Thomas Watson (covered by correspondence in archive)
1995, vendor purchase it from Thomas Watson

One interesting point is that the logbook records the engine number as 'EX110', whereas the extensive correspondence consistently refers to the Vitesse engine number '76277' presently fitted. This may reflect an early engine change or some administrative confusion during the machine's life. Given that we have been unable to locate a frame number, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves that the registration 'SR 3619' belongs to this motorcycle. Offered with old/current V5/V5C documents. No key required.

Condition and completeness unknown, Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.