1955 Sunbeam 489cc S7 De Luxe Frame no. S7-7543 Engine no. S8 13310

1955 Sunbeam 489cc S7 De Luxe Registration no. UMB 459 Frame no. S7-7543 Engine no. S8 13310 Designed in wartime by Erling Poppe, the Sunbeam inline twin was introduced in 1947. A luxury tourer inspired by the pre-war BMW, it was of advanced specification with an overhead-camshaft engine, telescopic front fork, shaft drive, and plunger rear suspension, these last three features being shared with its German inspiration. The Sunbeam S7 was equipped with balloon tyres, a feature not carried over to the deliberately more conventional, and also lighter and cheaper, S8 introduced in March 1949. The front fork and 7' brake were now standard BSA components and there were numerous other changes made in the interests of rationalisation, many of which were incorporated into the S7 De Luxe that superseded the S7 later that same year. Affectionately referred to as 'Lucy', this S7 De Luxe was purchased by the current vendor circa 1974 and used for commuting to and from his place of work until 1979. The Sunbeam was last used in the late 1980s and has been kept in dry storage since then. The machine is an ideal candidate for sympathetic restoration or possible use 'as is' following re-commissioning. A quantity of spares is offered together with the machine and includes, headlamp rims, silencer, distributor, exhaust manifolds, rubbers, gaskets, paint, a maintenance and repair manual; a (distressed) copy of The Book of the Sunbeam S7 and S8; a V5C; a set of keys, various bills and technical literature from marque specialists Stewart Engineering. Offered without key Footnotes: All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com