Description
This is the sale of my Sunbeam Mk III, which is the last model variant of the famous Sunbeam-Talbot Supreme 90, one of the most elegant British compact sports saloons of the early 50's, and in the case of the Sunbeam with roots going back to the 1930's.
I had always wanted one of these cars, with their Italianate flowing lines and art-deco interior design. Best of all is that with it's powerful engine and overdrive, the Sunbeam Mk III can easily keep up with modern traffic on A and B roads, and with it's racing cockpit driving position and precise steering it is easy to see why these cars were favourites of Stirling Moss, Sheila van-Damm and others for Monte Carlo and was outright winner on one occasion.
My car had been off the road for many years and has slowly been restored over the last 7 years at the leading northern Sunbeam-Talbot specialist, with further work carried out at a local specialist engineering firm.
Invoices for over £14, 000 are all present and include the following work:
5 new heavy duty tyres
Brakes, steering, suspension checked
Full engine service
New fuel lines
Electric fuel pump
Recondition overdrive
Full rewiring with new harness
Conversion to negative earth
Alternator
Radiator rebuild
Gearbox rebuild
Water pump rebuild
The car now drives and handles very well and starts easily. The overdrive works well and the gearbox is as good as it ever will be as it can lose second gear as the revs increase; usually I just go straight to third.
All the electrics, gauges, lights and indicators are working.
Regarding bodywork it was evident when rubbing down for paint that there is some filler in all the wings and doors but as this was still sound I left it in place and the car has been coach-painted in long lasting marine paint carefully matched to the original colours.
The finish is not perfect but it presents well overall.
The original leather interior is all present and well patinated, as is the head lining, and seems to suit the age of the car.
Included with the car are tools, manual, oiling chart and full workshop manual. My main aim in restoring this car was to make it reliable and useable and it now feels as if it it could go very long distances without difficulty. A much regretted sale due to other projects!
