Sunbeam 16.9 Doctor's Coupe

The Wolverhampton firm of Sunbeam built its first car in 1899, but it was in the 1920s, when part of the Sunbeam Talbot Darracq group, that they hit their zenith.

Louis Coatalen had left Hillman and joined Sunbeam in 1909, becoming Managing Director in 1914 at which point the firm were pressed into war production. They manufactured bicycles, motorbikes, cars and aeroplanes for the war effort. Coatalen took the firm to greatness thanks to his outstanding designs and elegant lightweight solutions. 

They produced a string of record breaking racing machines as well as outstanding sports saloons. These included the fabulous Sunbeam 1000hp which set a land speed record of 203.792mph in 1927 which is now on display at the Beaulieu Motor Museum, and the smooth and potent 3-litre Twin Cam – the first Twin Cam production car ever made. Their passenger cars were noted for their excellent build quality and refinement, as typified by the Sunbeam 16.9 of the late-1920s. Although expensive, it represented all that was best of the vintage period, making the later Rootes-built Sunbeams look rather mass-produced by comparison.

This splendidly original Doctor's Coupe is believed to have been originally owned by an Irish Lady, the legend being that the 28,000 miles shown on the odometer is correct. Purchased by the Museum from a prominent VSCC member in 1988, it has an old style log book which at the time of writing has been sent to the DVLA for updating.

Complete with the original side valences which were removed so that extra side steps could be fitted, it has recently been fired up and ran like the proverbial ‘Swiss watch’. The autovac developed a leak which has now been repaired, the vendor reporting that the only things which are not working properly are the headlights which have developed a problem with the bayonet fittings at the rear of the lenses. It also comes with two spare wheels.

In fabulous original condition, this fine car is sure to create a stir wherever it goes and has been a firm favourite in the Museum for many years.