Sunbeam 1927 4¼ hp Model 7 598 cc 1 cyl sv 3506

Sunbeam 1927 4¼ hp “Model 7” 598 cc frame # 43548 engine # 305/20447

By the 1920s the Sunbeam motorcycles made by John Marston Ltd. at their factory complex ‘Sunbeamland’ in Wolverhampton, were generally acknowledged to be the highest quality machines available in Britain. The factory maintained an active and very successful competition department. Top-of-the-range of the 1927 side valve Sunbeams was the 598 cc 4¼ hp Four Speed Model 7 priced at 90 Guineas. In addition, the maker’s No. 1 sidecar and chassis represented an additional 27 Guineas (the price for ‘The Gentleman’s Motor Bicycle’ was never quoted in mere pounds!). This formidable amount, over a year’s wages for most people, reflected the sheer quality of the construction and its finish in black enamel with 22ct. gold-leaf lining. It also ensured that sales were relatively modest, making survivors not abundant. Typical of the Model 7 are the leaf-spring forks; this type of suspension was in 1920/21 fitted to the 499 cc model, but thereafter a typical Model 7 feature. The special sidecar model, with long stroke 85 x 105.5 mm bore x stroke configuration, was first catalogued in 1922 as the “4 ¼ HP“ and was christened Model 7 from 1924 on, when Sunbeam started to use numbers to designate their models. It would stay in production till 1932, still fitted with a flat tank, by then looking quite archaic between all machines with saddle tanks.
The Model 7 we present comes as a solo machine and can be used as such, or can be accommodated with a sidecar. For that she is very well suited, with the 4-speed gearbox that was not very common in the twenties. She was restored some twenty years ago in the workshop of the Marston Wolverhampton Heritage Trust and has been used sparingly since, mostly for local shows and vintage rallies.
This sturdy and reliable Sunbeam is well-equipped with leg shields, acetylene lighting system, Lucas bulb horn, Smiths 60 mph speedometer, sprung pillion seat and rear view mirror.