Description
A Fabulous vehicle , from a fabulous time period. Impressive family transport SHE STARTS EVERY TIME AND RUNS SO VERY WELL, ALONG WITH BEING EASY TO DRIVE AND USE . Sunbeam quality loads of history from new gearbox overhaul in 2002 very well-sorted and ready to use She keeps up with modern traffic and importantly stops well , i have a great affection for this car. The Sunbeam marque, particularly their pre-war models, had an enviable reputation for quality, durability and silence of operation. Their engineering was second to none and they had strong export markets, particularly in Colonial countries where reliability was highly prized . This 1928 16. 9hp was despatched from Wolverhampton as a rolling chassis destined for Australia. It was purchased by the Queensland Country Political Party who had a saloon body fitted locally. They kept and used it until 1945. The QCPP was described by the son of a subsequent owner as 'a deeply conservative rural-based party' and the car was used to 'transport red-necked political hillbillies around the back-blocks of the State . There are several b&w photos in the file of its new owners (including the author of the article quoted above), the Noakes family, who acquired it and use as their everyday transport for the next 10 years. Old man Noakes, a skilled and trained fitter, soon sorted it out and it provided almost complete reliability over some of the worst roads in the world 'to all manner of places of wonder and delight'. They kept it until 1964 A year later, he bought the car to the UK to use on holiday, leaving it here with a new UK custodian, F Haslam, who was to keep and enjoy the car until 2017 when it came into the hands of its prior owner. To accompany this almost complete ownership history is a copy of the article by Peter Noakes, copious notes on its build, reference docs and general information on the model, including an original handbook. A list of work done since its arrival in the UK shows a fully rebuilt gearbox in 2002 with new gears, a new tank, engine overhaul including core plugs etc, several dynamo rebuilds, brake overhauls and a rebuilt starter. There are multiple bills to show the work done. This most impressive Sunbeam has room for all the family, a quality hood, split tonneau front and rear and a useful trunk on the back for picnics. It has a fascinating history and looks exceptional value for a top-quality tourer in the finest Vintage tradition.
