1928 Sunbeam 20hp Weymann Saloon
Exceptional survivor retaining its original fabric covered coachwork

Registration No: UC 635
Chassis No: 2023H
MOT: Exempt

• Believed but not warranted to have covered just 35,000 miles from new (with some supporting evidence)
• In good running order and will be driven to the sale
• Supplied new to Roland Hugh Hill Esq of Blackpool
• Amazingly retains the vast majority of its original fabric-covered bodywork
• Reportedly dry stored from 1929-1962 and sold by Sotheby's three years later at 25,000 miles
• Wonderful 'timewarp' interior
• A potential winner in the preservation class of concours d'elegance events

The 1920s witnessed Sunbeam win the French and Spanish Grand Prixs, finish second at Le Mans, set numerous Land Speed Records and cause Henry Royce consternation regarding the quality and refinement of its products. Introduced in 1926, the Twenty (20.9hp) was powered by a 2916cc OHV straight-six engine allied to four-speed manual transmission. Reputedly capable of over 70mph (coachwork permitting), the newcomer shared numerous drivetrain components with its glamorous 3-Litre Super Sports sibling. Available in Tourer, Fixed Head Coupe, Folding Head Coupe, Coachbuilt Saloon, Weymann Saloon and Rally Weymann Saloon guises, some 2,560 20.9hp cars are thought to have been made before the model was revised for 1931. Though, today survivors are comparatively few and far between. Contemporary Sunbeam brochures reveal that the Weymann Saloon was priced at a hefty £875 and could be ordered in ‘Claret, Black or Grey’ over Black and with ‘cloth or best quality English leather of suitable colour to match the paintwork’.

Less impervious to the elements than their metal counterparts, it was unusual for fabric-covered Weymann Saloon bodies to last more than a few decades regardless of which manufacturer’s chassis they adorned. Hence, our excitement at encountering one which is substantially original despite its ninety-four years! According to its accompanying buff logbook, chassis 2023H was first registered as ‘UC 635’ on 6th February 1928. Supplied new to Rowland Hugh Hill Esq., he is understood to have kept the Sunbeam for thirty-five years. Offered for sale by Sotheby’s in association with the Montagu Motor Museum at Earls Court on 5th November 1965, the 20hp’s catalogue description stated that: ‘This saloon model was stored from 1929 to 1962 and has thus covered only 25,000 miles’. Gracing the pages of Motor Sport magazine as part of an advertisement for Chiltern Cars during 1966, the five-seater was priced at £425 and described as follows: ‘Two owners from new, low mileage, outstanding original order’. Treated to a re-cored radiator, fresh clutch, brake overhaul, re-spoked wheels and new safety glass all round during the mid 1980s, a handwritten log kept by the previous keeper, R.E. Denton Esq., indicates that the Sunbeam’s recorded mileage had only risen to 26,833 by 1993. Entering the current ownership four years later, the 20hp is still showing less than 35,000 miles to its odometer which may well represent the total covered from new and would certainly explain why its fabric covered Weymann Saloon coachwork has survived so well. Taking full advantage of the fact that her father had restored a similar Sunbeam from the ground up, the seller has had him look after ‘UC 635’. As well as overhauling the factory-fitted engine, he re-wired the car, refurbished the brakes and renewed the rear wheel bearings (often calling upon Bill Barrott’s expertise). Fresh Michelin ‘double rivet’ tyres were fitted and modern hazard warning lights added. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, the five-seater will be driven some 50 miles to IWM Duxford for the auction. A potential winner in the preservation class of concours d’elegance events, this fabulous Vintage Sunbeam really needs to be seen 'in the fabric' to be appreciated. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, buff logbook, Sotheby’s catalogue, copy handbook and assorted invoices etc. A unique opportunity.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737