Description
Abandoned in a shed in the Blackwood/ Eden Hills area of Adelaide, this 1924 Sunbeam 20/ 60 Tourer was rescued by former Chrysler Australia automotive engineer John Ellis around mid-1975.
Essentially mechanically complete, nonetheless the Sunbeam needed a total restoration with a entirely new body, which was undertaken with the aim of participating in the Sesquicentenary Car Rally from Sydney to Brisbane in 1978.
Managing the project, the late Ellis engaged Greg Bates to restore the wooden frame, Johnny Pagnussat to take care of the body, and Eames & Son to look after the trim, tonneau and hood. It all came together in time to make the start in Sydney, though only just!
Today, the Sunbeam presents as an older restoration, ready for some refurbishment and recommissioning.
Since being discovered by Ellis, it has never had a chassis number evident. Knowledgeable Sunbeam enthusiasts have advised that originally the chassis number was stamped on a plate on the firewall, and was also painted on the top of the rear cross member. This was covered when the body was installed. It is to be expected that painted number never survived for long in the car’s life. So, as in the case of this car, if the firewall was found damaged beyond repair before restoration, then the small plate recording the engine number would most likely have been lost or discarded.
Its British Racing Green with black fenders paintwork is still good but showing the signs of a life lived, while the cockpit’s buttoned leather trim and doorcards are nicely aged; the hood, side curtains and tonneau are also very serviceable.
Under the bonnet there’s some surface rust and general patina, and the 3181cc six-cylinder engine is still fitted with Ellis’ grunty Claudel-Hobson carburettor, said to be responsible for its impressive performance.
Indeed, the Sunbeam was enjoyed by Ellis on a number of local and interstate vintage and veteran rallies over the years.
Owned by John Ellis for 49 years and now being sold by his widow accompanied by a Sunbeam Handbook of Instructions, a folder of its history and various reference material, and articles on general Sunbeam history.
The Sunbeam 20/ 60 Tourer has not been driven for 10 years or so, though the engine was successfully started recently. Thus, it will need the aforesaid recommissioning.
