Description
This motorcycle is Lot 204 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 12th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 408 are to be sold from 11:00am on Sunday 12th October 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 11th & 12th October 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 204
The Bob Howard Collection
1951 Sunbeam 487cc S8
Registration no. JJW 163
Frame no. S8-3697
Engine no. S8 5600
Designed in wartime, the Sunbeam inline twin was introduced by BSA, owners of Sunbeam Cycles Limited, in 1947. A luxury tourer inspired by the pre-war BMW, it was of advanced specification with overhead-camshaft engine, shaft drive and plunger rear suspension. The first S7 version was equipped with balloon tyres, a feature not carried over to the deliberately more conventional, and also lighter and cheaper, S8 introduced in 1949. The front fork and 7" brake were now standard BSA components and there were numerous other changes made in the interests of rationalisation. Never as popular as BSA's more performance orientated models, the gentlemanly S7 and S8 remained in production until 1957.
The accompanying V5C document shows that Bob Howard acquired this Sunbeam S8 on 13th May 2005. Smartly presented, the machine currently displays a total of 9, 982 miles on the odometer, which is presumed to be the distance covered since restoration. (It should be noted that the machine is fitted with a Hawker 12-volt alternator conversion.) Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent and thus is sold strictly as viewed (inspection highly recommended). Accompanying paperwork includes the original old-style buff logbook; Gov. UK MoT history (now MoT exempt); DVLA and HPI reports; tax reminders and old MoT certificates; and a selection of instruction manuals and parts lists.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for all pertinent auction information.
