Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 25th March from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 26th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1949 Sunbeam S8
Estimate
£2, 000 - £3, 000
Registration No: UME 947
Frame No: S8973
MOT: Exempt
Long term previous ownership
The S8 was on display for many years in a museum
Recently recommissioned and 'road ready'
A current V5C on file
Sunbeam Cycles was founded in 1837 and from 1912 began producing motorcycles, initially being taken over by AMC in 1937 and eventually passing into BSA's hands in 1943. Intended as a deluxe alternative to other 500s of the day, the unusual inline twin shaft drive S7 model appeared in 1946, distinguished by its balloon tyres, but unfortunately was not without its teething troubles. The more traditional-looking S8 was launched in 1949, incorporating a few engine and chassis modifications to address earlier problems.
Originally registered in Middlesex, this Sunbeam S8 spent some time in an Essex motor museum before passing into long-term ownership 25 years ago, spending a long time off the road since then. The present owner has given the S8 a de-coke (including having the head aqua blasted), replaced the engine mounting rubbers and buffers, fitted a new 600 Concentric (original carb and filter included), new speedo cable, tidied up the wiring, replaced the rear crankshaft oil seal, fitted new spark plugs and HT leads, a new battery, new dynamo brushes (all sourced from Stewart Engineering) and changed all the oils. It has also had a Stewart Engineering sump extension. Test rides showed that the oil pressure was 'good', all the lights work and it showed a good charge. The chronometric speedo works fine. All the gears are present and correct and the clutch works smoothly on what is a mostly original bike with all the hard to find parts in place. It appears to have never been restored. A V5 is present along with the original buff logbook and some old MOTs. The bike will definitely benefit from more use and fettling, however, it is a sound and very original machine with some provenance.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
