Beschreibung:

The first Sunbeam motorcycle - a 350cc side-valve single - left the Wolverhampton premises of John Marston hitherto a manufacturer of finest quality enamelled goods, bicycles and - latterly - cars, in 1912. Designed by Harry Stevens (later to found AJS) the 2¾hp Sunbeam was equipped with a two-speed countershaft gearbox and fully enclosed all-chain drive, proving an instant success in an era when the norm was hub gears and belt-drive. Like Marston's other products, his motorcycles soon established a reputation for sound construction and exemplary finish. Their racetrack performances did nothing to discourage sales either. Howard Davies (later to found the H.R.D. marque) finished second in the 1914 Senior TT on his and Sunbeam's first visit to the Island, and Tommy De La Hay inherited victory in the 1920 Senior after George Dance also Sunbeam-mounted, retired while leading. Sunbeam's second model was the John Greenwood designed 3½hp of 1913. A sidevalve single like its predecessor, the 3½hp came with a three-speed hand-change gearbox and fully enclosed oil-bath chain cases, the latter first seen on the company's bicycles. With the coming of WWI, most of Sunbeam’s production was earmarked for Allied forces, the biggest ‘home’ user being the Royal Naval Air Service (forerunner of the Fleet Air Arm), which ordered the 3½hp as its favoured model. This handsome and original 'War Department' Sunbeam was purchased by the current vendor in 1986 and has been used on various VMCC runs since acquisition. The machine is presented in very good overall condition and is reported as being easy to start and comfortable to ride, with a soft and pleasant power delivery. Offered with Swansea V5C, it will most likely require sympathetic re-commissioning before returning to the road.