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Sunbeam 18.2HP Saloon

Sunbeam 18.2HP Saloon

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Sunbeam 18.2HP SaloonSunbeam 18.2HP SaloonSunbeam 18.2HP SaloonSunbeam 18.2HP SaloonSunbeam 18.2HP Saloon
Sunbeam 18.2HP SaloonSunbeam 18.2HP SaloonSunbeam 18.2HP SaloonSunbeam 18.2HP Saloon
Lot number 151
Hammer value N/S (est. £18,000 - £20,000)
Description Sunbeam 18.2HP Saloon
Registration GP 7592
Year 1931
Colour Blue/Black
Engine size 2,398 cc
Chassis No. 5832M
Engine No. 5836

The Sunbeam marque was a force to be reckoned with in the 1920s, manufacturing a range of superb quality cars appealing to the discerning motorist.

The top of the range 3-Litre Twin Cam showed how the company could use their enormous racing experience in a production model; however the whole range reflected their dedication to quality engineering. They were still built to the exacting standards and refined design of Louis Coatalen, then Sunbeam’s brilliant chief engineer. By the mid '30s Rootes had taken charge and the range deteriorated into a range of solid, but rather unexciting models.

The Sunbeam 18.2 was a bored out version of the company mainstay, the Sunbeam 16hp. The increase in bore from 67mm to 70mm gave a useful 2,398cc and was built alongside the larger engined ‘New 20’. The Sunbeam 18.2 is accepted by the VSCC in their PVT (Post Vintage Thoroughbred) list showing just how well respected this model really is and expanding the wide range of events in which it can be used.

First registered in July 1931, this fabulous old Sunbeam has had just four owners from new, the first being one John Ramsay of Huyton who kept it until 1966, and the second, John Cooper of Wallasey, who kept it until July 2010. Its current owner purchased it in September of the same year from Brightwells and has used and improved it since then.

A real time warp machine, it is in outstandingly original condition throughout with the kind of patina that only comes with decades of careful use. Apart from the front wings, even the paintwork appears to be original and the blue leather interior is a joy to behold.

The car was driven into storage in 1971 (the last tax disc is still in the window) but was eventually brought out and dusted off, receiving a thorough recommissioning after 40 years off the road.

Since acquisition, the vendor has treated the engine to a top-end overhaul, including new valves, springs and head gasket. At the same time, he dropped the sump, cleaning and checking the bottom-end, with everything proving to remain in good order, the engine having been hardly used since its last documented rebuild back in the 1960s.

The waterpump was also rebuilt (being slightly modified in the process) and the temperature gauge restored. The brakes have been refurbished with new seals and flexible hoses and all is back together and as it should be.

It has a complete mechanical history from new, five old MOTs from 1964 to 1971 plus its original owners’ handbook on file and has proven to be a thoroughly reliable car, having been used for various rallies, including the notorious VSCC Measham night rally (an event not for the faint hearted!).

Fitted with a splendid Garnaich Mascot, this wonderful car, in such lovely original condition, fully deserves that much abused 'time warp' cliche. A rare and precious find with irreplaceable patina, it needs to be used and conserved for future generations to enjoy.

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