Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 13:00
1960 BSA Sunbeam 250
Extremely original
Estimate
£2, 000 - £3, 000
Registration No: UNR 613
Chassis No: B8431
MOT: Exempt
British registered from new
With original buff log book
V5C for use on UK roads
BSA was founded in 1861 at Small Heath, Birmingham (British Small Arms Company Ltd) to produce firearms. In 1910 The first motorcycle was produced. As one of Britain’s most innovative engineering companies the company made the worlds first folding bicycle, owned Daimler at one point and supplied numerous products through both world wars including 126, 000 motorcycles in WW2. In 1950 BSA acquired Triumph Motorcycles and was the world’s largest producer of motorcycles.
In 1959, Triumph launched themselves into the world of scooters with the Tigress. With an Edward Turner designed 250cc, 4-stroke 4-geared twin engine. Also sold under the BSA-Sunbeam brand, Triumph were not quick to act on sales potential and floundered in the market, even though it was deemed a worthy machine for those who could get one. The differences between the BSA Sunbeam and Triumph Tigress were entirely cosmetic. Capable of over 70 MPH with 10 HP the scooter was designed for the motorcycle enthusiast. The sale price in 1960 was £184 slightly less than the Lambretta TV175 at £189.
Here we present a very original example in its largely original and heavily patina’d paintwork with only minor touch ups. It was owned by the vendors father since 2016. Prior to that we can see from the buff log book that the scooter was first registered in Loughborough on the 8th February 1960 to an Ernest Smith. Then remaining around the Nottingham area until 1966. We can also see on the log book a record that shows a new engine was fitted on the 12th May 1966.
We are told by the vendor that the scooter was recommissioned just a few months ago with a carburettor clean, new fuel tap and fresh oil. We understand it is running well but were unable to see that as there was no battery present at the of consignment. We were able to turn the engine however. The front badges and RAC badge are all original as are the switches and lights all over. The scooter has a large period accessory windscreen with a very nice Cinque Ports Motorcycle Club badge and an original rear rack.
