1931 Sunbeam Model 90
$15,000 - $25,000

BLACK SPEED: The best years of Sunbeam were in their early history. The company built a tremendous reputation for quality and finish, which eventually led to its downfall. First manufacturing bikes in 1912, Sunbeam produced machines to win. And win they did, securing more Senior TT wins than did any other marque (pre-1930). However, by 1928, Sunbeam was part of the ICI combine and did not add very much to group profits; in came the accountants and much of the tradition and quality had to go. More parts were bought in and the quality slowly began to evaporate. The exception was the Model 90, which was still based on the 1929 TT winning machine and had an enthusiastic following. Sunbeam first introduced overhead-valve singles during the 1923 race season. The 493cc Model 90 was originally listed as a competition model only and so was not equipped with kick-start or other road-going material. This extremely rare Model 90 TT replica was hand built by the factory in exactly the same manner as were the machines that Sunbeam raced on the Isle of Man. With the exception of Webb front forks and an oil filter on the left-hand side, the 1931 Model 90 is identical to the 1929 TT winner. Offering original equipment, rear set footrests and no facility for a battery box, this was a pure race machine. The current owner has operated the Model 90 for over 40 years, first competing in the 1970 International V & V rally from Sydney to Melbourne. Since then the machine has been regularly raced and rallied. Legend also has it that the machine was placed third in the Isle of Man TT in 1933 (probably the Amateur TT), now the Manx GP. It is also believed that the bike was timed electrically at 105mph on the beach at Waikanae (New Zealand) in the late 1940s. Over the years, the machine, like all real race machines, has had its fair share of modifications and dices with death. Consequently, this Model 90 is offered with a constant mesh gearbox whose...
Courtesy Webbs NZ

Sunbeam Models