This is the Register of Sunbeam Motor Cars made by the Sunbeam Motor Car Co. of Wolverhampton, England. Our interest runs from 1899 when it is thought that John Marston made, in house, their first motor car, referring to it as a ‘Sunbeam’ and finishes in 1936 when the Sunbeam name became part of the Rootes Brothers combine. During this period a little fewer than 30,000 motor cars would have been manufactured.

To see a breakdown of year by year,
model by model production click here

To see a brief outline of Sunbeam’s history, can I recommend that you view www.sunbeam.org.au which has been put together by a later Sunbeam enthusiast, Russell Maddock of Brisbane, Australia.

The register hold details on just over 800 Sunbeam motor cars thought to exist and brief details on a further 6000 plus extant motor cars which is growing all the time. Should you wish to know more about either group please make contact whichever way is easier for you.

'Sunbeam the Supreme Car' 1899 - 1935

Recently I have written and published a book on Sunbeam Motor Cars. 'Sunbeam the Supreme Car' 1899 - 1935 this has been very successful, (I am very pleased to say) and has sold more than a thousand copies in two print runs. At £50 a copy I do still have a few left, please call to check availability and postage costs. It is a large book of over fifty thousand words with more than five hundred previously unseen black and white pictures. Covering all the models in the vast Sunbeam range made at the time and other related chapters.

To see a selection of pages click here

Sunbeam 12-16 HP, 1910 to 1914

Also just published, a new book on the Sunbeam 12-16 H.P. manufactured between 1910 and 1914. With more than 400 photographs (most previously unpublished), with associated text and a detailed appendix, it traces the evolution of Louis Coatalen’s creation. We see the Sunbeam fitted with touring, sports and formal coachwork; operating in touring, formal, racing, ambulance and military guises.

During this period we also see electric lighting displacing acetylene and bodies transforming from the upright styles of 1910 to the super-elegant Sporting Model of 1914. Technically unremarkable, but extremely successful, the Sunbeam 12-16 HP of the 1910-1914 period was beautifully engineered and gained a well-deserved reputation for performance, ease of use, adaptability and above all, reliability.

A number of major and minor competition victories enhanced that reputation and by the end of its production life the 12-16 had become – and would remain – Sunbeam’s most successful model, with a total of 4,941 chassis manufactured. As late as 1908 it was not Sunbeam’s practice to offer their chassis for sale without a body. By late 1909 this had changed and so, in addition to Sunbeam’s own superb coachwork, many chassis
were fitted with bespoke bodywork from outside firms, leading to the wonderful diversity of coach built bodies illustrated in this book. This is an evocative snapshot of the pre-World War I period, incorporating the mundane, the exotic and everything in between to present a unique and comprehensive view of the ‘nicest Edwardian car’ in the 2 to 3-litre market. Also details with pictures of all known existing cars.

I am also writing a book on the 3-litre 'Super Sports' of the mid 1920. Please give me a call to find out the latest stage of either of these two books.

If you would like history details on any car, your own, a friend's, or one you might be considering purchasing, do talk to me first, for the price of a phone call, you too could become a Sunbeam expert.

I’m always aware of at least 60 or 70 Sunbeams that are for sale, or could be available for purchase, at any one time, spread around the world. I am happy to provide details as to your particular requirements. I’m also willing to act as agent and/or do full appraisals and valuations either for purchase purpose or insurance purposes. I have a towing vehicle and trailer and as a Sunbeam only enthusiast, I can be relied upon to convey your Sunbeam, (or for that matter any other vehicle) as safe as is possible.

I hold a large collection of Sunbeam literature, both sales and servicing and keep a large stock of very good bound and hard covered photocopies. View my ever changing listing of period Sunbeam promotional material for sale. I’m aware of most spare parts and where they are and various experts in servicing. My aim is to get and keep as many of the existing cars in a state of frequent use.

I’m always looking to increase my knowledge of Sunbeams. If you have anything to share, please just leave a message, or give me a call. Similarly I’m always anxious to purchase further Sunbeam literature and pictures, especially anything pre 1914-18 War.

In short, if you have any matters regarding  pre 1936 Sunbeam Motor Car that you wish to discuss, I’m waiting to hear from you.

As an aside, I have a 1922 24/60 (4½ litre, 6 cyl.) Landaulette which I use for wedding hire. See more pictures.

During the period that the ‘Register’ has been formed a number of Sunbeams have temporarily gone missing, see a detailed list of these cars and perhaps you can help solve the mystery as to where they are now.

For those wishing to connect to, or view the comprehensive and informative web page of the Sunbeam Talbot Darracq Register, or are interested in joining the Register, go to www.stdregister.org.uk.