Historic Photo Gallery
A collection of vintage photographs showcasing the Sunbeam Twenty Tourer
A magnificent example of British automotive engineering from the golden age of motoring
Explore the DetailsThe Sunbeam Motor Car Company Limited was one of Britain's most prestigious automotive manufacturers, renowned for their quality engineering and sporting achievements. Founded in Wolverhampton, Sunbeam built a reputation for producing some of the finest motorcars of the early 20th century.
The company was particularly famous for their racing successes, including multiple land speed records and victories at prestigious events like the French Grand Prix. Their road cars combined this racing heritage with luxurious appointments and meticulous craftsmanship.
It has had a fascinating ninety-one years of life since its creation in 1934. It is the only Sunbeam Twenty tourer produced, a one-off, supplied by John Croall & Sons to the Fry family to special order
In 1939 it was laid up in Scotland where it stayed until 1958. It was brought back to life and driven south with a sump full of good Scottish water, a journey that cost it a number of bearings. It found a temporary home with a London boys' club in the late 1950s, before being acquired by a Sunbeam specialist in 1960 who owned and cherished it for 50 years. The acquisition was made not for hard cash, but in exchange for 2 bell tents and a remould tyre for a Bedford van. Over its lifetime, it is estimated to have covered over 500,000 miles.
Brake and gear lever conspire together to make entry to the driving seat an acrobatic feat—though with practice and a commitment to pilates, access from the driver's side is achievable. The driving position is good: one sits low down and looks along the long bonnet through a shallow windscreen at a view of the road that is only slightly obscured by the mascot that sits atop the radiator filler cap. There is a four-speed gear box with no synchromesh but featuring a silent third gear. The large engine (2916 cc) plus the comparatively light body, plus, perhaps a rather low gear ratio, makes the car very flexible: it will accelerate in third from walking pace and drop down to 15mph in top without complaint.
A collection of vintage photographs showcasing the Sunbeam Twenty Tourer