Sunbeam 25hp Limousine

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The Wolverhampton firm of Sunbeam built its first car in 1899, but it was in the Louis Coatalen years of 1909 to 1933 that the firm achieved the ranks of greatness, producing a string of record breaking racing machines and outstanding sports saloons.

These included the fabulous Sunbeam 1,000hp which set a land speed record of 203.792mph in 1927, their passenger cars being noted for their excellent build quality and refinement, attracting customers from the top echelons of society, HRH the Duke of Gloucester being particularly fond of his 25hp.

The Sunbeam 25hp was introduced in 1933 at the top of the range and was based on the outgoing 20hp. Priced at £875 for the four-door saloon, it was beyond the reach of all but the wealthiest motorists. It was fitted with an 80mm bore and 110mm stroke six-cylinder 3,317cc OHV engine with seven main bearings and was noted for its smoothness and excellent power, being rated at 23.8hp with a top speed of almost 80mph.

Drive was via a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top two ratios, while braking was hydraulic to all four wheels. The Sunbeam 25hp is accepted by the VSCC in their PVT (Post Vintage Thoroughbred) list showing just how well respected these models really are, expanding enormously the range of events in which it can be used.

This lovely 1935 25hp Limousine was purchased in 2014 from M and M Automotive in Lymington. The V5C shows just three previous owners, the car changing hands in 1995 after which its then new owner embarked on a thorough restoration.

The engine was rebuilt in 1997, with much of the work undertaken by Sunbeam expert Will Collis, the unit being uprated with twin SU carburettors a year later. A rewire by Western Vintage Cars and a complete overhaul of the radiator followed shortly after, the latter costing over £1,000.

The car has been well cared for ever since, the vendor installing a set of air-ride spring assisters to the rear suspension and producing a home-made maintenance manual for his own use. The history file includes a number of Sunbeam Club magazines, a copy of a period road test from The Motor in 1935 and 15 old MOTs, the earliest of which dates from 1986 showing that by then it had covered 85,130 miles, this total having risen by just a few thousand since then.

In fine condition, this powerful and elegant limousine has been used regularly and is ready for its new owner to enjoy right away.