Jersey is only nine miles long, which explains why despite being in regular use for nearly 30 years this delightful Sunbeam has covered less than 20,000 miles since it left the Rootes Piccadilly showroom.
It was owned and kept by the same family from 1956, obviously a much loved member of the family as it was passed from the original owner to her daughter, who then passed it on to her daughter.
The Sunbeam 90 was produced between 1948 and 1956 in three versions, this example being the final MkIII saloon style body with a ‘pillarless’ join between the glass on the rear door and the rear quarter window. Despite its “home counties” looks the Sunbeam MkIII was a highly competitive sports saloon in period with great success in International rallying, winning the Monte Carlo Rally outright in 1955.
RXK 97 must be one of the best preserved, lowest mileage examples of these desirable, under-rated and under-valued sports saloons. Re-commissioned upon arrival back in the UK in 2019 it is offered in excellent mechanical health, with a beautifully aged but entirely intact and comfortable interior.Sunbeam (3).JPG880.05 KB
History and Paperwork
Purchased from Rootes Piccadilly showroom in April 1956 by Mrs Tottie Cooper
Sold under the Home Delivery Export Scheme free of purchase tax for export
Initially registered in the UK as RXK 97 before export to Jersey
Re-registered in on arrival in Jersey as J15815
Passed from the original Owner to her daughter, and then to her grand daughter
Copy of Jersey Registration Certificate showing 3 family owners
A collection of Jersey tax discs from 1967, and 1979 to 1989
Grocery and shopping receipts from 1963 onwards found in the glove box
Service receipts from Jersey garage from 1971 & ’72 with mileage noted
Driven regularly from 1956 to mid 1970s mileage was circa 17,000
After a period of occasional use it was dry stored in 1993
Purchased in 2018 and repatriated back to the UK
Note from family friend and Jersey resident confirming the mileage
NOVA import document
DVLA letter from 2019 confirming reallocation of the original registration of RKX 97
Rootes Archive Centre Trust Certificate verifies production details
Major mechanical overhaul and cosmetic work carried out 2018-19
Top end engine rebuild due to low compression
Superb overall condition and mostly original inside and out
Purchased by the Seller in 2022, now offered due to change of circumstances
“It’s only original once”. A phrase that we think sums up this delightful Sunbeam perfectly. Having led a charmed life in the ownership of one family for 63 years it has been well cared for, and must have been a regular sight on the lanes of Jersey. It was treated to a sympathetic re-commissioning when it arrived back in the UK and remains in mostly original condition, with a little renovation and sensible upgrades. Now offered due to a change in circumstances we hope it is purchased by someone who appreciates its condition and rarity.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
