Sunbeam 20hp Cabriolet Salmons body with Tickford hood

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

One of four Tickford-bodied cars in the auction (and please note the patented Tickford hood erection system), this 1933 Sunbeam 20hp Cabriolet comes from the same stable as the vintage Crossley and is being sold for the same reason.

As with the Crossley, the Sunbeam comes with a detailed type-written list of parts fitted and work carried out on the car plus a similar list of journeys made.

The vendor bought VV 2320 in 2003 and immediately had a new hood and bag fitted. He then set about bringing the car up to scratch with various items replaced, including a new fuel pump (’04), new battery and – in 2006 – an engine rebuild by Bill Barrott, of Sheffield, which included new pistons, new valves and guides, new bearings etc – the total bill, including associated works coming to almost £6,000.

The car continued to have care and attention lavished on it until our vendor stopped driving it due to ill health just over three years ago. The service records that come with the car show that since the 1980s the car has had over £28,000 spent on it.

As mentioned, the Sunbeam comes with a type-written list (7 pages) of journeys made by car and owner over their thirteen year partnership, The list includes extensive UK touring – including trips around the Peak District, the Welsh Marches and Wales – as well as touring in France.

This is a grand post-vintage thoroughbred that has obviously been tended to with love during the vendor’s stewardship. It is now time for him to hand the car on the next enthusiast who, we hope, will use the car as enthusiastically as he has and care for it in the same way.