26th Mar, 2025 12:00

National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands

 
Lot 354
 

1949 Sunbeam S8

Sold for £3,105

(including buyers premium)


Lot details

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. 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.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217

 

Auction: National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands, 26th Mar, 2025

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An auction of classic motorcycles & vintage scooters taking place at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, West Midlands.

VENUE INFORMATION GET A COMPLIMENTARY VALUATION

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Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our website, by telephone and commission. 

Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.

To enquire about entering your motorcycle or vintage scooter into auction please call our sales office on 01925 210035, email sales@HandH.co.uk or click the Get A Valuation button. Valuations are complimentary and without obligation.

To join the auction in person or via the telephone, please click here for more information How to BidTo take part in online bidding please click 'Register to Bid | Sign In' at the top of the page or bid through our auction partners Saleroom.com Saleroom.com

Viewing

Tues 25th March from 1pm 
Wed 26th March from 9am

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All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

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If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.

If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035

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