SUNBEAM 1924 MODEL 4 600CC 1 CYL SV
SOLD
Sunbeam 1924 4 ¼ HP 599 cc side valve “Model 4” frame# 16965 engine # 211/ 19676
The Wolverhampton based firm of John Marston Ltd. earned fame for their superb bicycles at the end of
the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.
In 1912 their first motorcycle was presented. It was equipped with a 2 ¾ hp engine designed by Harry
Stevens, one of the talented family of Stevenses later to found their own company not far from
Sunbeamland.
Stevens acted as a consultant to Marstons and designed a conventional 349 cc side valve single, with twospeed transmission and forward placed magneto.
Further development of engine and cycle parts was then taken over by John Greenwood, a highly
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competent engineer and rider, who came with the firm in 1912 and remained at Sunbeamland for the rest
of his working life, designing almost every Sunbeam motorcycle.
Greenwood ( who had previously designed the Rover3 ½ HP engine) altered the Stevens design in that he
moved the magneto to the position behind the cylinder.
In general motorcycle design and manufacture was carried out according to the standards set for the
Sunbeam bicycles: elegance, silence in operation, reliability and impeccable finish were the keywords.
At the end of 1913 a 3 ½ HP model ( 85x88mm) was launched, a model that would make the Sunbeam
name world famous.
Nickel plating on Sunbeams was kept to a minimum, almost all parts were enameled black.
The enamel was of outstanding quality, as witnessed by many vintage Sunbeams still having their first
finish… The whole machine followed John Marston’s dictum of the best possible quality allied to the best
possible specification.
The “model 4” was a more powerful version of the ‘all purpose “ Model 3.
It was equipped with the 85 x 105.5 mm Model 7 engine.
The Model 4 profile in the 1924 catalogue mentions: “ It will appeal to those who require an outfit of
considerable horse power and yet do not wish to include the refinements incorporated in our 4 ¼ h.p.
Model 7.”
This fine Sunbeam has been restored to a high standard and comes complete with acetylene lighting set
and bulb horn.
MORE INFORMATION
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ABOUT YESTERDAYS
Yesterday’s is a link with the past, particularly with motorcycles from the past. We are a
straightforward organisation which aims at acquiring old motorcycles – in the broadest sense
of the word – and making them available to enthusiasts of all kinds by means of sale.
After 35years of experience we claim to have an extensive knowledge of the world of antique
and classic motorcycles. Our field of interest ranges from pre-1900s machines till those from
the thirties and forties. We have regularly been able to provide- private enthusiasts,
collectors, and museums all over the world with interesting acquisitions.
We cordially invite you to visit our site and step back in the illustrious past of motorcycling.
We ship worldwide at cost
Visitors by appointment from Tuesday - saturday 14.00h - 17.30h
We are closed Sunday and Monday.
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