Sunbeam 1936 Models
Further Photos
Estimate: (£) 8,000 - 9,000
Reg Number:BOX 790
Frame Number:17.539.0.201
Engine Number:17.538.0.142
Body Colour:Black
Cc:500
MOT ExpiryDate:None
John Marston formed the Sunbeam brand in the late 19th century making bicycles, soon, like many others, Marston began manufacturing motor cars. By 1912 the motor industry was experiencing it's first slump and against his better judgement, Marston had an aversion to powered 2 wheelers due to an unfortunate incident in the past, the company was pushed into motorcycle production. Notwithstanding, the ageing Marston applied his usual standards of excellence to these high quality ''gentleman's motorcycles'' and they were successful in an ever expanding market. Early performances in the IOM TT traces did no harm at all and shortly after the end of the Great War 'The Sunbeam' was incorporated into the ICI group. Continuing in one form or another until 1957, Sunbeam finished up as part of the great BSA organisation and we all know what happened to that.
First registered on 11th April 1936 in Birmingham the history of BOX 790 is well documented having been used by its then owner to visit the IOM TT in the 30's and 40's. The machine has it's original registration , buff log book , modern v5c, several old mot certificates, tax discs and a Sunbeam spare parts list. A photographic record of it's restoration in 2007 is on file and it appears to have covered only 1325 miles since. This 500cc model 9 is described by the owner as 'excellent' apart from having 'average' electrics and represents a fine example of these superbly engineered machines, one from the last year of the coveted Marston Sunbeam marque era and not to be missed.
Image and description kindly supplied by H&H Classic Auctions
