1927 Sunbeam 20.9 Sports Four Seater Tourer

Owned by its late custodian for fifty three years, this 20.9 Sunbeam has been cherished and well maintained, which can be substantiated by the vast quantity of invoices included in the sale, meticulously retained by its owner since 1971. From the file, we see that a stainless steel exhaust system was fitted in 1972 and the weather protection appears to have been renewed in 1974. A thorough body and paint restoration was carried out in 1980 followed by a mechanical overhaul in 1989. Cylinder head work was in 1993 and a radiator renovation in 1995. The Sunbeam was the subject of constant mechanical maintenance throughout this period and the sporting car was used regularly for local outings and at historic events until poor health forced its storage in 2020. A recent mechanical check has been carried out and we are told that the Sunbeam runs well and is a powerful performer; however, it may benefit from a light recommissioning service in its next ownership. The vendor tells us that the body and panel fit are good and the paintwork is fair. The weather protection is said to remain in good order and the original Auster rear screen is present, an important piece of equipment. The upholstery is possibly original or part of the older restoration. Instrumentation is thought to be working, the temperature gauge and sign post lamp are non-standard. Overall, the 20.9 has a charming patina of age and elegance and is a lovely opportunity for the Sunbeam enthusiast. 

The history file contains photocopies of the instruction and hand books, technical information, correspondence and notes from the 1970s onwards, a copy of the Sunbeam Talbot Darracq Register Journal, the bill of sale in 1971, numerous invoices dating from 1971 and the V5C registration certificate.

Addendum 9.10.24 -

Also supplied in the history file is an original Handbook of Instructions, MOT test certificates from 1968 to 1993, photographs (including one from 1966), the bill of sale from 1971, and an invoice totalling £4000 from 2017 detailing mechanical work carried out which included the fitting of a new manifold gasket, a new head gasket and five replacement cam followers. 

Auction Date: 17 October 2024