1950 Sunbeam 489cc S7 De Luxe Frame no. S7 3493 Engine no. S8 3204

1950 Sunbeam 489cc S7 De Luxe Registration no. LGX 104 (see text) Frame no. S7 3493 Engine no. S8 3204 A wartime design by Erling Poppe, the Sunbeam inline twin was introduced by BSA, owners of Sunbeam Cycles Limited, in 1947. A luxury tourer, it was of advanced specification with overhead-camshaft engine, shaft drive and plunger rear suspension. The clutch housing and four-speed gearbox bolted directly to the back of the engine, which was rubber-mounted in the duplex loop frame, an innovation that required a flexible joint in the exhaust system ahead of the silencer. The first S7 version was equipped with balloon tyres, a feature not carried over to the deliberately more conventional, and also lighter and cheaper S8, introduced in 1949. The front fork and 7' brake were now standard BSA components, and there were numerous other changes in the interests of rationalisation. Never as popular as BSA's more performance orientated models, the gentlemanly S7 and S8 remained in production until 1957. This S7 Deluxe has been owned by vendor's family for between 30 and 50 years. Kept on display in a private museum, it has not run for at least 20 years and will require re-commissioning or possibly more extensive restoration before further use (the engine turns over). Engine and gearbox numbers match. There is no documentation or ignition key with this Lot. It should be noted that the registration 'LGX 104' is not listed in the HPI database; accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's registration status prior to bidding. Offered without key Footnotes: All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com