The Highlights

Restored to a high standard about 20 years ago
Very little use since restoration
Sold with its original buff logbook
Offered for sale from a large motorcycle collection

The Appeal

We all love British motorcycles of the ’50s, and we especially like those fast, brash BSAs and Triumphs for which the decade is famous, but we’ve all thought at one point or another ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if there was something which looks as good, but is smoother to ride and more refined – civilised, even?’ Well, there is, and it’s called the Sunbeam S7.

The S7 took its inspiration from a captured BMW R75, a German military motorcycle notable for having shaft-drive to its rear wheel, a feature common to BMWs since the 1920s but largely untried by the rest of the motorcycling world. Sunbeam devised its own shaft-drive system using an eminently suitable but highly unusual longitudinal inline twin, and the result was a large, fairly luxurious motorcycle famed for its smoothness, the ideal machine for the rider who wanted to travel in comfort.

Understandably in the post-war political climate, Sunbeam wanted to avoid making anything which looked ‘too German’, so it came up with its own very styling more reminiscent of America’s Indians and Harley-Davidsons. The only downside to building such a large, well-appointed bike with uncommonly sophisticated engineering was that of cost. The S7 was a very expensive bike when new, so sales were restricted to the well-off. Always a rarity, only 7658 S7s were made in total, but owing to their robust construction they have survived well and spares are well catered-for.

The History and Paperwork

Sold new via Godfrey’s Ltd of West Croydon to a local man, Mr. Donald Alan Lock
Ownership later passed to Mr. Gary Clarke of nearby Thornton Heath, and it remained in annual use up to 1964
By 1979, it had entered enthusiast ownership and invoices suggest it received an engine rebuild between then and 1982
Extensively restored c.2004, but seemingly not used on the road since
Purchased by the vendor, a prominent motorcycle collector, in 2019
Sold with paperwork including the current V5 and the original buff logbook, a collection of invoices dating back to 1979, various technical diagrams, some photographs of the restoration and a couple of 1980s motorcycling magazines

The Condition

Restored to “first class” condition in 2004
Evidently lightly used and well cared-for since
Very good paintwork all over – ideal for shows and rallies

Having been carefully restored by its owner almost 20 years ago, and used very little since, the Sunbeam presents beautifully. The restoration appears to have been a very comprehensive one, and we know the bike was repainted and generally spruced up with new petrol tank badges and other items of trim, so it must have looked quite dazzling when it was finished.

Today, it could still almost be taken for a fresh restoration. A very close look reveals a few minor paint blemishes which are in keeping with its age, but they are negligible. The seats were evidently recovered and remain virtually perfect, looking like they have never been sat on, and the brightwork is exceptional, showing just a very, very light patina.

The only point the buyer really needs to be aware of is that the right-hand handlebar grip is damaged and a little loose, so care ought to be taken with it, but otherwise it’s in wonderful form all-round, and every bit as good as it looks in the pictures.

The Engine

Excellent cosmetic condition
New head gasket in 2016
Last run in 2019 – will need light recommissioning

While we’ve not had the privilege of seeing the Sunbeam run, everything we know about it gives us reason to believe it’s in excellent mechanical order. With evidence of an engine rebuild between 1979 and 1982, we are inclined to suspect that the odometer reading of 19,165 miles may date from then. Though it’s likely that it received further engine work during its 2004 restoration, the fact that there is no record of it being MoTed since then suggests it hasn’t accrued many miles.

Although it appears to have spent most of the past 20 years in storage, the Sunbeam has not been neglected. There is evidence of maintenance such as a new head gasket in 2016, and when the vendor reports that when he bought it in 2019 it was running extremely well. The brakes seemed to be in good working order as we were wheeling it around. Having spent four years on static display in a large collection, we would just recommend a general inspection and some light recommissioning before taking to the road.

The Summary

‘Perfection’ is how Sunbeam described the S7 – ‘the world’s smoothest motorcycling’ – and they were probably right. This is an excellent opportunity to find out. Motorcycling was never just for tearaways, and if you want to prioritise comfort over speed, go on long rides without feeling numb, and maintain good relations with your neighbours then the S7 probably is the perfect bike for you.

It looks superb having been restored to a very high-standard and well cared-for since. We believe the mechanical aspect to be as good as the cosmetic one, and after a therapeutic weekend of recommissioning you’ll have a hwole summer of relaxed, enjoyable riding to look forward to.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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