1925 Sunbeam Model 3

Frame no. 17413

Engine no. 159/17026 

John Marston Ltd. initially started in the manufacture of Sunbeam bicycles and tricycles in 1887 before progressing to the manufacture of motor cars in 1899.   Some years later. in 1912. he added the production of motorcycles to the company when he instructed Harry Stevens (of AJS) to design a 350cc engine and John Greenwood (formerly of JAP) to assemble a working motorcycle.   This remained in production until 1913 when a 770cc. V-twin. JAP engine model was added to allow the addition of sidecars.

 In 1914 John Greenwood also designed his first engine for Sunbeam. a 500cc. nbsp;3£ hp. of square dimension (85mm bore and 88mm stroke). which as a sporting model went on to win second place in the Senior TT and the Manufacturers award at the 1914 Isle of Man meeting.   John Greenwood went on to design all subsequent Sunbeam engines.   Sunbeam?ˆ™s 3£ hp model became a general service machine for the war department during the great war and then continued into civilian production and was designated the model 3 in 1924.

The racing success of the pre war year continued and Sunbeam went on to win the first Isle of Man TT of the post war ear in 1920.   The French Grand Prix would follow in 1921 with Alex Bennett. on both occasions using the new side valve. 500cc ?ˆ?long-stroke?ˆ™ engine (77mm bore and 105. 5cc stroke).   This was the last side valve engine to win the Senior Isle of Man and was the faster production side valve of its day.   The long-stroke Sunbeam model stayed in production for the life of the company and the subsequent AMC take-over in late 1937.

This 1925 Model 3 is in excellent condition having been mechanically and cosmetically restored by David Orman. in 2011.   It has a slightly earlier but more desirable ?ˆ?long-stroke?ˆ™ engine from 1923 that was much more reliable and successful than the over-head valve design.  

The bike is believed to originate from the Bournemouth area where it was found in a cellar around 20 years ago. largely complete but sadly without any documents.   David and his father then restored the motorcycle over a number or years. sourcing any missing parts and repaired where possible the original items.   The work they carried out included a full engine and gearbox rebuild. wheels rebuilt by Brickwood wheels. carburettor refurbished. EIC magneto rewound. paint and brightwork reapplied and all further work to assemble a fully functioning motorcycle.

The results of this work are spectacular and the bike is ready to be run at Banbury or any other event this season.   It comes with a V5C and a Vintage Motorcycle Club Dating Certificate.

Cash only please

I can deliver. up to 20 miles free - call for a quote over that

If you have any further questions or would like to view the bike then please call me on 07974 694010 (Angus)

Also published at eBay.com