Description
Motorcycle auction
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 28th October from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 29th October from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1951 Sunbeam S8
Beautifully restored
Estimate
£3, 500 - £4, 500
Registration No: VMM 265
Frame No: S85326
MOT: Exempt
The result of a meticulous 10-year restoration
Past 'Best in Show' winner
Sold with assorted handbooks and an historic buff logbook
Designed by Erling Poppe, the Sunbeam S8 was introduced in 1949 as a lighter, sportier sibling to the large, touring-focussed S7, though both featured the same 487cc, overhead-cam longitudinal twin with shaft-drive, which made them delightfully smooth. Whereas the S7 was built for comfort with unusually large balloon tyres, the S8 used conventional tyres, as well as BSA forks and a cast-aluminium silencer. With a claimed top speed of 85mph, it remained in production until 1956, although sales were never strong as the Sunbeams were expensively priced on account of being somewhat over-engineered. The S8 was available in either Silver Grey or Black.
This 1951 S8 was acquired in recent years by Denis Bottomley, a highly-respected restorer, in a badly-neglected condition, with flaking Black paint and a rust problem. Mr. Bottomley proceeded to meticulously restore it over the course of 10 years, and upon its completion it scooped a ‘Best in Show’ award on its first outing. The Sunbeam was widely rallied during his ownership and was always kept immaculate, with the present owner describing it as “excellent” in all areas and informing us that it runs and rides very well. It is offered with an impressive file including the V5C, an RF60 buff logbook, handbooks, part books and other papers.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
