Highlights
- 1924 Sunbeam 20/60 – Plaxton Saloon
- Stored in a climate-controlled specialist facility
- Rich and very well detailed history
- Original interior, including original carpet and leather
- Extensive engine maintenance
- 101 years of preserved automotive history
- Unrestored, beautifully preserved
- Full documentation and manuals
- Sympathetically maintained and mechanically strong
- Eligible for VSCC, STD Register, and pre-war touring events
The Appeal
Considered by some to be a higher-quality and sportier vehicle than the Rolls-Royce 20 of the same era, the Sunbeam 20/60 was a supremely accomplished motor car. Boasting 60 bhp from its 3,181cc overhead-valve six-cylinder engine, performance was generally brisk, in spite of the vehicle's size.
The Sunbeam 20/60 represents one of the prestigious offerings from a marque that was renowned for quality engineering and refined motoring in the 1920s. Described by the seller as “The Supreme Car” — A Century of Provenance, Elegance & Mechanical Soul," this 1924 example presents in smart condition for its age with many original features and careful maintenance that honours its century-old heritage. It remains in good running condition despite its considerable age.
Aside from the condition, much of its appeal is surely in its rarity and also the carefully detailed provenance, which we've summarised below. The vendor tells us that every stage of the car’s life is recorded in letters, invoices, photographs, and Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq Register archives. A gorgeous car with a history to match
The vendor says:
"Offered here is one of the finest surviving examples of the 1924 Sunbeam 20/60, wearing its original Plaxton of Scarborough coach built saloon body. Ordered new by Sir Digby Algernon Hall Legard of Headon Lodge, Malton — and accompanied by its original continuation registration book, 1925 workshop manual, period wiring diagrams, and full ownership file — this car stands as a rare, unrestored monument to British motoring craft.
"Beautifully preserved in its cream and black livery with blue leather interior, this is not just a car: it’s a rolling storybook of the people who loved it, drove it, and kept its spirit alive for over a century.
"The Sunbeam 20/60 was launched with the proud slogan “The Supreme Car” — and she lives up to that promise. With continuous provenance from new, original manuals, and a century of documented care, this Plaxton Saloon is an exceedingly rare opportunity to acquire a genuine, unrestored survivor with heart, history, and grace.
"Offered with full documentation, manuals, and records — ready to show, tour, or enjoy as an heirloom.
"This Sunbeam starts easily, runs sweetly, and drives with the dignified composure of a grand Edwardian-era touring car. The 3.2-litre six delivers quiet torque and graceful progress; the steering lightens once underway; the car cruises comfortably at 40–45 mph. Its mechanical honesty and preserved originality give it that unmistakable pre-war integrity collectors cherish.
“It’s one of the only survivors. We planned to take it to shows for its centenary. Every drive feels like you’re borrowing a moment from history — and writing your own.”
The Sunbeam 20/60 represents one of the prestigious offerings from a marque that was renowned for quality engineering and refined motoring in the 1920s. Described by the seller as “The Supreme Car” — A Century of Provenance, Elegance & Mechanical Soul," this 1924 example presents in smart condition for its age with many original features and careful maintenance that honours its century-old heritage. It remains in good running condition despite its considerable age.
Aside from the condition, much of its appeal is surely in its rarity and also the carefully detailed provenance, which we've summarised below. The vendor tells us that every stage of the car’s life is recorded in letters, invoices, photographs, and Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq Register archives. A gorgeous car with a history to match
The vendor says:
"Offered here is one of the finest surviving examples of the 1924 Sunbeam 20/60, wearing its original Plaxton of Scarborough coach built saloon body. Ordered new by Sir Digby Algernon Hall Legard of Headon Lodge, Malton — and accompanied by its original continuation registration book, 1925 workshop manual, period wiring diagrams, and full ownership file — this car stands as a rare, unrestored monument to British motoring craft.
"Beautifully preserved in its cream and black livery with blue leather interior, this is not just a car: it’s a rolling storybook of the people who loved it, drove it, and kept its spirit alive for over a century.
"The Sunbeam 20/60 was launched with the proud slogan “The Supreme Car” — and she lives up to that promise. With continuous provenance from new, original manuals, and a century of documented care, this Plaxton Saloon is an exceedingly rare opportunity to acquire a genuine, unrestored survivor with heart, history, and grace.
"Offered with full documentation, manuals, and records — ready to show, tour, or enjoy as an heirloom.
"This Sunbeam starts easily, runs sweetly, and drives with the dignified composure of a grand Edwardian-era touring car. The 3.2-litre six delivers quiet torque and graceful progress; the steering lightens once underway; the car cruises comfortably at 40–45 mph. Its mechanical honesty and preserved originality give it that unmistakable pre-war integrity collectors cherish.
“It’s one of the only survivors. We planned to take it to shows for its centenary. Every drive feels like you’re borrowing a moment from history — and writing your own.”
History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1924
- Purchased by the current owner in 2021 to celebrate their father's recovery from life-threatening illness
- Stored in a climate-controlled specialist facility
- The vendor states this is a rare piece of history in original, characterful condition
- Represents 101 years of history
- Very detailed history with letters, invoices, photographs, and Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq Register archives
- Registration: XR 13
Included with the sale:
- Original 1925 “List of Spare Parts” book, stamped Whitehead Bros, Wolverhampton
- Reproduction Workshop Manual – “The Supreme Car” edition
- Original and continuation registration logbooks
- Comprehensive ownership letters, invoices, and correspondence
- Sunbeam Talbot Darracq Register newsletters and certificates
- Photographs from every period of ownership
- Handwritten maintenance & mileage diary (2010–2021) covering 1,000+ miles
- Current Swansea V5C registration
The vendor says:
"This is the most complete documentary packages ever known for a 20/60.
"The car retains its matching-numbers engine and chassis. It has been carefully conserved rather than restored — the leather remains supple, woodwork original, and fittings period-correct. Mechanically sound and reliable, it benefits from modern stainless exhaust, rebuilt magneto and dynamo, and freshly serviced tyres."
Provenance & Custodianship:
The vendor states that "Few pre-war cars come with such a continuous chain of care":
The vendor states that "Few pre-war cars come with such a continuous chain of care":
- 1924–1931: Sir Digby Algernon Hall Legard, North Yorkshire — original order through Car Mart, Euston Road, with Plaxton coachwork.
- 1931: Dr William Maxwell McKie, High View, Normanton Yorks — registered keeper.
- 1947: Mr Fred Brookes, Normanton Yorks.
- 1950s: Mr Jack French, Scarborough.
- 1970s–1980s: Mr R. Goodfellow & Mr R. William, St Albans — British Leyland engineers, mechanical restoration and documentation.
- 1989–2003: Mr George Stanton, Kingswood Farm Aylesbury — full mechanical rebuild, brake re-lining, radiator replacement, regular STD Register rallies.
- 2004–2006: Prof. Alan Richens, Coventry — magneto, dynamo, and water-pump rebuilds; wheels re-spoked and powder-coated.
- 2010–2021: Tom & Fiona Harvey, Cornwall — sympathetic recommissioning; over 1,000 miles of local touring; meticulous handwritten logbook included.
- 2021–Present: Samson Family custodians, who continued over (35k worth of mechanical maintenance)
Vehicle summary:
- Engine: 3,200 cc inline six-cylinder side-valve
- Power: 20/60 HP
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Brakes: Four-wheel mechanical
- Coachbuilder: Plaxton & Sons, Scarborough
- Body type: Saloon, cream over black
- Interior: Original blue leather upholstery
The Condition
- Presents exceedingly well for being 101 years old
- Maintains authentic character rather than having modern modifications
- Gentle patina of age throughout
- Exterior appears to have been refreshed once in the car's lifetime, the vendor tells us
- Original interior, including original carpet and leather
The Mechanics
- 3.2-litre overhead-valve six-cylinder engine
- Four-speed manual transmission, double clutching required
- Starts and runs well, we are told
- Has received extensive engine maintenance
- Maintenance performed as necessary while respecting original features and design
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