Lot 7

2024   |  

London Auction 2024

1926 Sunbeam 3 Litre Super Sports

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Asking Price

£170,000

Chassis

4236GF

Engine

4242F

Car Highlights

Exceedingly Rare as One of Just 250 Sunbeam 3 Litre Super Sports Built

Racing-Derived Dual Overhead Cam Engine

Lightweight Tourer from the French Grand Prix-Winning Marque

Award Winner at the Oulton Park Concours

Veteran of Multiple VSCC Rallies and Races

Technical Specs

2,920 CC DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine

Twin Updraft Carburetors

93 BHP at 3,700 RPM

4-Speed Manual Gearbox

4-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes

Front Solid Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs and Friction Shock Absorbers

Rear Live Axle with Cantilever Leaf Springs and Friction Shock Absorbers

*
UK V5
See UK Registration/Import Status Guide in catalogue.

In 1924, Sunbeam introduced the 3 Litre Super Sports, which combined the lively performance of the racing-derived twin-cam, dry sump, fixed-head inline six-cylinder engine and the elegant layout of open touring coachwork. The Sunbeam factory team placed 1st Overall at the 1923 French Grand Prix with Henry Segrave at the wheel, however, despite this, as few as 250 of these sporting Sunbeams were built.

This 3 Litre Super Sports was first registered to Robert Constantine, a shipping line owner, at the end of 1926. It had a succession of respected UK owners until 1987, when it was acquired by the highly regarded, early car restorer Keith Taylor, who conducted a mechanical and cosmetic restoration over the next three years.

A new, balanced crankshaft and Arrow Precision connecting rods were fitted to the dry sump engine and a set of close ratio gears were manufactured and fitted to the gearbox. In 1992, the car was exhibited at the prestigious Oulton Park Concours, where it was awarded the Cheshire Life Trophy for elegance and the Martini Trophy for quality of restoration.

The 3 Litre was sold to a fellow UK enthusiast, Stephen Battye, in 2003 and the car has been in his family’s ownership since, having taken part in numerous race meetings and rally events in the UK and overseas. With its Grand Prix-derived engine and open coachwork, this 3 Litre Super Sports is sure to delight its next owner at myriad vintage driving events.

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