Sunbeam 1936 Model 9 Sports 493 cc 1 cyl OHV 3609

Sunbeam 1936 Model 9 Sports 493 cc OHV frame # 17S.539.1.292 engine # 17S.538.0.308

video: https://youtu.be/aivCDur4spQ

The first production overhead-valve Sunbeams appeared in 1924 as the Model 8 and Model 9, in 350cc and 500cc form respectively. The Model 8, with its 70 × 90 mm engine, was an accomplished and sporting tourer, but it inevitably lived somewhat in the shadow of its larger and more glamorous sibling, the 80 × 98 mm Model 9. The Model 9 would go on to become one of Sunbeam’s most enduring models, remaining in production until 1939. Between 1932 and 1935 only minor changes took place; For 1936, however, Sunbeam introduced a significant improvement in the form of a new cradle frame and four-speed Burman foot-change gearbox. More intriguing still was the introduction of the Model 9 Sports for the 1936 season only. Conceived as the sporting flagship of the range, it was distinguished from the standard Model 9 by a high-compression piston, high-level exhaust, sports mudguards and larger eight-inch brakes. It was also equipped with useful panniers and an ingenious valve lifter mechanism for easy starting. The model 9 Sports can be considered as the last true sporting Sunbeam before the takeover by Matchless (AMC) in 1937. Today, the Model 9 Sports is a particularly desirable Sunbeam. The Sunbeam Register records just seven surviving examples, making this one of the rarest production variants of the Model 9.

The machine we present was found in  a derelict state in London in the 1960’s and bought for 500 pounds. She is a very early model, produced towards the end of 1935 and possibly an Olympia Show model, given the fact that several components differ from later 1936-registered specimens.  Frame and engine numbers are the earliest recorded of the 9S.  She was restored in the 1990s by a professional motorcycle engineer to show condition. The Amal TT carburettor that is fitted was purchased from the famous Bud Ekins, who was a close friend of the restorer. The story of the restoration and subsequent “tuning for speed” of this rare model can be found in the September 2010 issue of “Beaming” , the Journal of the Marston Sunbeam Club & Register. A copy of the article is available.

This sporty machine comes with a tank-top mounted oil pressure indicator, prop stand, Smiths 85 mph speedo and bum pad.  Very distinct and seldom seen are the luxurious toolbox- panniers.  She is in very good running condition and is offered with current Dutch registration.