FOR SALE: 1924 Sunbeam 14/40 Tourer £21,495 ono

Manufactured in November 1924, this is a very early and desirable three door body (a driver’s side door was only introduced in 1925) example of the superb 40bhp (or 13.9 RAC rated taxable horsepower) 14/40 Sunbeam Tourer. The motorcar has retained its original colour scheme of claret paintwork and hide with black wings, along with Rudge hubs and wire wheels. An unbelievable and fascinating history accompanies it – far beyond the original handbook which is also present.

Testament to the quality of pre-war Sunbeams, as well as continuous careful ownership, the 2121cc engine starts very willingly when prompted and runs without fault. Torque is surprisingly good and decent gear ratio’s enable 60mph to be reached. The original three-speed crash gearbox is actually a delight. The car feels incredibly stable and capable at speed, belying its 101 years! The pioneering four-wheel-brakes are also still reassuringly capable today too.

Sold new by Pytchley Autocar Ltd of 179-181 Great Portland Street, London in early 1925 and registered with a London County Council number of XX 8703 it is believed that the car spent the war years squirreled away. Known ownership resumes with Mr Read from c.1939, possibly earlier. In 1958, lifetime Sunbeam enthusiast and Sunbeam registrar Mr Pat Dunford bought the car having seen an advert in 'The Times'. The car was said to be very original and it was used as everyday transport for 7 years with very little trouble. For two years he travelled as a student from Oxford to London daily. Mr Pat Dunford had the honour of racing XX 8703 in the Vintage Sports Car club Inter Register Handicap race at Silverstone on April 20th 1963. Torrential rain was unable to dampen his spirits and he had an enjoyable drive but a harsh handicap precluded him from being amongst the leaders. There is a black and white mid-corner photograph within the history file documenting this!

The Sunbeam was sold in 1965 to two Cambridge University students and all ownership records and details are recorded thereafter. Engine overhaul photographs are also included from the 1970’s, as well as an abundance of various correspondence with former owners.

More latterly, expenditure since 2002 includes rebuilding the gearbox, rebuilding the rear axle, repairing the water pump, new bulkhead, re-grinding valves, new valves springs, new crown wheel and pinion, new exhaust manifold, new rear springs and bushes, re-lining brakes, new clutch, new water hoses, re-conditioned magneto, nickel plate wheel spinners and nuts, nickel plate side lamps and door handles, new tyres, new hood, tonneau. hood cover and full leather re-trim. Mechanically therefore the car is very good, along with superb trim and weather gear. Though it still presents well overall, the paint is showing its age now and is the only real detraction. Delivery can be provided.

£21,495 ono