Lot details
Registration No: PN 3896
Chassis No: 2313K
Mot Expiry: Nov 2008

Vintage Sunbeam cars are respected for their quality and high standard of engineering by enthusiasts today, just as they were when they were new: they were expensive cars, ones guaranteed to give pride of ownership. The 20.9hp Sunbeam was a new model for the 1927 season, one that shared the 75 x 110mm, 2916cc engine dimensions of the famous 3-litre twin cam Super Sports Sunbeam, but with push-rod activation of the overhead valves. The six-cylinder engine was in unit with the 4-speed gearbox. With the standard factory touring body, as here, the price new in 1929 was £750: in the same year, a Buick tourer of similar size cost only £425: a Morris Cowley tourer was £160.
'The Vintage Motor Car', by Clutton and Stanford, has this to say: 'The Sunbeams of the Vintage period and early thirties occupy a unique position. They combined smoothness with reasonably high performance and good handling. Mechanically, they showed considerable Continental influence, especially in the clean external design of the engines. In appearance they combined dignity and dash with remarkable success. To drive them is a delight, in a peculiar way, not unlike the small contemporary Rolls- Royce.'
The first owner of PN 3896, a registration issued on 19 June 1929, was one F Turner, of the Dorset Arms Hotel, East Grinstead. It has had only four owners since 1963, and its condition does suggest that the 66,000 miles displayed on the odometer could well be the true total mileage from new. The interior has recently been reupholstered in red leather, and is described as 'excellent'. The engine and gearbox, chassis and electrical equipments are stated to be 'good', and the bodywork 'sound' and the paintwork 'fair'. The engine was overhauled by a previous owner, when the magneto was refurbished and the German silver one-piece radiator recored, and higher ratio rear axle gears fitted, giving a comfortable 50mph cruising speed. Other work carried out recently includes restoration of all the Rotax lamps, renewal of the spring pins and bushes, professional reconditioning of the Andre Hartford shock absorbers, rebuilding of the hubs and wheels and the fitting of new tyres. Excellent protection is offered by the full weather equipment, which includes an Auster-type screen for rear passengers, so this fine vintage motor car can be enjoyed all the year round.
The Sunbeam Talbot Darracq Register gives access to a wide range of information, spare parts and services, as well as activities and events for which this impressive tourer is ideally suited.