1931 Sunbeam 16 (18.2hp) Drophead Coupe

Lot details
Registration No: GP 8268
Chassis No: 5919M
Mot Expiry: April 2019

- Understood to be the only surviving Berkeley bodied 2-seater with Dickey

- Offered with invoices totalling over £160,000 from 2001 to 2018

- Offered with Brown log book, workshop manual and large collection of invoices


Further info:

Like so many of its contemporaries, the Wolverhampton-based Sunbeam enterprise was a bicycle maker that evolved into a car manufacturer, and the Sunbeam Motor Company Ltd was created in 1905 to separate the two-wheel business from the expanding four-wheel one. However, it was from 1909, under the guidance of the fertile-minded Breton-born engineer/designer Louis Coatalen, that the marque began to flourish - the road cars became noted for their quality and refinement, and the firm's record breakers and race cars notched up a string of international successes. Judged by volume alone, the most successful of the company's post WWI offerings was the 16hp (16.9) of 1927-30, which was powered by a new OHV six-cylinder 2040cc engine. For the so-called 18.2hp that superseded it, the capacity was raised to 2193cc, which resulted in the same power output of 44bhp but a welcome rise in torque.

The simply stunning 16hp (18.2hp) now being sold is a 1931 model that's believed to be the only surviving Berkeley-bodied two-seater example complete with dicky seat. It was the subject of a comprehensive restoration between 2011 and 2015, for which the invoices on file total in excess of £100,000. The work included the creation of a new ash frame, a retrim in Green leather, replacement carpets and hood, plus an overhaul of the engine and brakes and a complete repaint of the body in graceful Green over Black livery. 'GP 8268' has been religiously serviced and MOT tested every year since 2001 - the current MOT is valid until April 3 - and has enjoyed regular use, including several continental trips. Last year it was awarded the trophy for best pre-1940 car at the Stafford classic show. It is now offered complete with huge history file containing brown log book, photos of the restoration, original workshop manual, and invoices totalling over £160,000.