Highlights
- Technologically advanced and rare S7 restored in 2024
- Professionally restored Sunbeam S22/50 De Luxe Tourer single-seat sidecar
- Engine overhauled in 2019 by Foxwood Motorcycle R&R, Sunbeam engine specialists
- Serial show award-winning combination
- Very pretty combination in black with Wild Apple red paintwork
- Only 17 miles since completed
The Appeal
The Sunbeam S7 was essentially a reworked BMW, which meant it introduced UK buyers to a thoroughly different sort of bike engineering, including an inline twin engine, shaft drive, and car-like refinement. It was billed as a ‘gentleman’s touring bike’, and it definitely was. Paired with a period-correct Sunbeam S22/50 De Luxe Tourer sidecar, this combination represents the pinnacle of post-war British motorcycle touring capability.
The vendor acquired the bike in 2023, partially restored, a process he completed in 2024. The work majored on originality with some light touches to suit the bike and sidecar together. The engine was extensively overhauled in 2019 by Foxwood Motorcycle R&R, recognised Sunbeam engine specialists, with full documentation covering the re-bore with new pistons, crankshaft repair, new valves and guides, and all new seals, bearings, and journals. The dynamo, distributor, and clutch were also repaired or replaced.
The sidecar chair was professionally restored by Charnwood Classic Sidecars circa 2014/15, whilst the S22/50 chassis has been completely restored with a black powder-coated finish. The polychromatic Black over Wild Apple Red paint scheme complements the red sidecar chair. The speedo odometer was professionally repaired, serviced, and reset in 2024.
This combination's quality has been recognised at multiple events, winning Best in Class at Fraserburgh Vintage Classic Car Rally in the Early Classic Motorcycles up to December 1955 category, as well as 2nd in Class and 3rd in Class at Glamis Scottish Transport Extravaganza in July 2024. With just 17 miles covered since the restoration's completion in local lanes, this award-winning Sunbeam combination is ready for careful running-in and many miles of touring ahead.
The vendor says:
“I've done 17 miles in the lanes around my house. There is more to be done to carefully run in the engine, given how many new parts have been fitted, or re-worked. When the sun is shining, the Wild Apple Red sparkles and really stands out, complementing the Red colour of the sidecar chair.”
History and Paperwork
- UK market motorcycle first registered 9th May 1950
- Three registered keepers from new
- Purchased in 2023, partially restored, with restoration completed in 2024
- Fitted to a Sunbeam S22/50 De Luxe Tourer single-seat sidecar as a combination
- Original registration number retained by previous owner
- Registered as a Historic Vehicle and MOT exempt
- Currently on SORN
- Sidecar chair professionally restored by Charnwood Classic Sidecars circa 2014/15
- Replacement engine overhauled in 2019 by Foxwood Motorcycle R&R, Sunbeam engine specialists
- Won Best in Class at Fraserburgh Vintage Classic Car Rally in Early Classic Motorcycles up to Dec 1955 category
- Won 2nd in Class at Glamis Scottish Transport Extravaganza July 2024 in Classic Motor Cycles 1940-1955 category
- Won 3rd in Class at Glamis Scottish Transport Extravaganza July 2024 in Three Wheeler category
- Bike’s original colour was Mist Green, V5 requires correction to current colour
- MOT certificates available from 1985 (incomplete collection)
- Last MOT expired in 2011 showing 17,921 miles
- 17 miles covered since restoration completion in local lanes
The vendor says:
“I bought the bike in 2023, partially restored, and I completed the restoration in 2024. It is fitted to a Sunbeam S22/50 De Luxe Tourer single seat sidecar, to make a combination. The original registration number was kept by a previous owner. It is registered as a Historic Vehicle and is MOT exempt. The bike is currently on SORN. I have completely restored the sidecar Sunbeam S22/50 chassis, and it is finished with black powdercoat. The chair of the sidecar was professionally restored by Charnwood Classic Sidecars circa 2014/15. The sidecar came to me in combination with a BSA M21. I kept the sidecar and sold the BSA. The condition of the Red paintwork on the chair was too good to change. So, I decided to repaint most of the tinware on bike from black to the 2 colour polychromatic Black over Wild Apple Red. In 2019, the engine was completely overhauled, with many parts replaced/repaired by Foxwood Motorcycle R&R, specialists in the repair of Sunbeam engines. I have a complete documented account of the work that was done, for example re-bore with new pistons, repair crankshaft, new valves and guides, all new seals, bearings, journals etc. The dynamo, dizzy, and clutch were repaired/replaced. There is much more and it is all documented.”
The Condition
- Restoration of bike and side car completed in 2024 with few miles since
- Sidecar Sunbeam S22/50 chassis completely restored with black powdercoat finish
- Most tinware repainted from black to polychromatic Black over Wild Apple Red to match sidecar's red chair
- Speedo odometer professionally repaired, serviced and reset in 2024
- Wild Apple Red polychromatic paint complements red sidecar chair
The vendor says:
“The combination was entered into the June Fraserburgh Vintage Classic Car Rally, and won Best in Class in the Early Classic Motorcycles up to Dec 1955. The combination was entered into Glamis Scottish Transport Extravaganza in July 2024. The bike won 2nd in Class in the Classic Motor Cycles 1940-1955 category, and 3rd in Class in the Three Wheeler category.
“The original colour was Mist Green, and the V5 needs to be corrected for the current colour black. It is now Black on Wild Apple Red subtle polychromatic paint, to co-ordinate with the sidecar colour. The rear drive has sidecar gearing.”
The Mechanics
- 500cc inline twin engine
- 4spd manual transmission
- Rear drive fitted with sidecar gearing
- Engine requires careful running-in
The vendor says:
“I have a number of MOT certificates back to 1985, not complete. The last MOT is dated 2011, and the mileage was 17,921. The speedometer was reset in 2024 during professional repair and service. The bike has done 17 miles in my care since completion of my restoration.”
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