Description
The Millbrook Sale | Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire
Viewing: Tues 2nd December from 12pm
Auction: Wed 3rd December from 9am
Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JH
1925 Sunbeam 20/ 60 Enclosed Landaulette
One of just two known surviving examples
Estimate
£28, 000 - £35, 000
Registration No: UK 2060
Chassis No: 1445E
MOT: Exempt
One of just forty-five Sunbeam 20/ 60 cars known to have survived (from a production run of 1, 650)
Pleasingly retains its rare, factory-fitted Enclosed Landaulette coachwork
Recently treated to a refurbished interior by Pipers Specialist Trimmers of Sparkford
Part of a subtantial private collection in recent years
Introduced at the October 1923 Olympia Motor Show, the Sunbeam 20/ 60 was a direct rival to the Rolls-Royce 20hp and in some ways its superior. Just as technologically advanced, the Wolverhampton machine’s 3181cc engine boasted a seven-bearing crankshaft, overhead valves and a detachable cylinder head but was rather more powerful than its Derby counterpart’s 3127cc unit. Employing an extra forward ratio in its gearbox and drum brakes to both axles (as opposed to the rear one only), the Sunbeam was not only faster – speeds of up to 70mph were possible dependent upon the coachwork fitted – but also offered better retardation. Well judged leaf-sprung suspension (semi-elliptic front / cantilever rear) gave a supple ride, while catalogued bodystyles encompassed a Tourer, Sports Model, Enclosed Limousine and Enclosed Landaulette. A singularly accomplished design, the 20/ 60 is known to have caused Henry Royce consternation especially as the 1920s was the decade which arguably saw Sunbeam at its grand prix winning and Land Speed Record setting best. Succeeded by the cheaper to produce 20. 9hp model in 1926 (which utilised a four-bearing crankshaft etc), just 45 or so of the 1, 650 20/ 60s made are known to have survived.
Long rumoured to have been displayed on the Sunbeam stand at the October 1925 Olympia Motor Show if only because of its original, Wolverhampton-issued ‘UK 2060’ number plate, chassis 1445E is one of just two factory-bodied Enclosed Landaulettes known to have survived. Re-registered with the DVLA during 1991 following a lengthy sojourn in America, it entered the current family ownership eight years ago. Intended to augment the 20/ 60 that they hired out to the producers of the globally successful television series Downton Abbey (and which fetched £172, 500 on 16th September 2025), the six-/ seven-seater was treated to a professional repaint and has not long returned from Piper Specialist Trimmers of Sparkford where its upholstery was renewed throughout (including the fold-out occasional seats to its division). Rare and imposing, ‘UK 2060’ started readily and ran well during our recent photograph session.
** 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).
