c.1950 Sunbeam 487cc S7, Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. S7-3191 Engine no. S8-2380

Important Collectors' Motorcycles and Spares
c.1950 Sunbeam 487cc S7
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. S7-3191
Engine no. S8-2380
BSA's plan to use the Sunbeam name after WWII revolved around a loose copy of wartime BMW layout, with an engine based on an old design previously unused by the company. The project was the responsibility of Erling Poppe. The Sunbeam was intended to be a luxury machine, and the eventual engine specification certainly sounded exotic – all-alloy engine, twin cylinder, overhead camshaft, with shaft final drive. The capacity, though, for the heavy cycle parts, left it a little underpowered at 500cc. Once the engine mountings had been redesigned, the ride, however, was as smooth and sedate as intended, and ideal for a gentleman in need of a comfortable, if not speedy, ride. Released to the public in 1946, it survived in S7 and S8 forms until 1958.

S7-3191 has evidently been restored in the recent past, and has been updated with the fitment of indicators and a later Amal Concentric carburettor. Part of a private collection, there are no documents with this machine, which will require safety checks and re-commissioning, and is sold strictly as viewed. It does have a key. We have no knowledge of its mechanical condition, except that the engine turns over. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the age, completeness and originality of the machine, together with the vintage and compatibility of its component parts prior to bidding.