Description
The Wolverhampton based Sunbeam Motorcar Company traded from 1899-1935. During that short 36 year period they produced some of the most important and well engineered motorcars ever to be designed and built in Great Britain. These included not only magnificent Edwardian tourers and limousines, but from 1910-1930 some outstanding racing cars, and even Land Speed Record cars.
In 1910 their flamboyant chief designer, Louis Coatalen a keen racing driver and Land Speed Record enthusiast, was said to have told W. O. Bentley “racing improves the breed”.
Although Bentley was the British marque that came to dominate Le Mans in the 1920's it is often forgotten that Chassagne and Davis achieved second place in the 1925 race driving a Sunbeam 3 Litre Super-Sports. In fact these cars were built with a view to race at Le Mans. The Sunbeam Super-Sports also known as a 3 Litre twin cam was marginally quicker that the obvious comparison, the Bentley 3 Litre, and had better brakes and a easier gearbox! The chassis was often said to be more flexible although on this particular car the chassis has been strengthened to give it a more robust feel on the road with international rallying in mind. Other "mods" include a high ratio crown wheel and pinion, and a new cylinder block (the original has been retained), and full flow filtration with a modern oil filter.
These rare cars are really exciting to drive. The free revving 6 cylinder twin overhead cam dry sump engine was revolutionary in its day and just looking under the bonnet reveals an engineering masterpiece. In fact the engine is really a copy of the Fiat 3 Litre Grand Prix engine designed by Vincenzo Bertarione and Walter Becchia. High quality fittings and finish all combine to make a stunning vintage motorcar with real performance.
Made in 1926 this car carries original factory tourer coachwork. It has been the subject of a full rebuild at the specialist engineers Holcombe Engineering Ltd. It has also been maintained by them. It is a veteran of several European rallies including the Paris/ Vichy and the Paris/ Deauville. It is a past winner of the Concours d' Etat.
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