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Sunbeam 25 1922

General description : 1922 Sunbeam 24/60hp 4.5 litre Open Drive Landaulette.

Chassis no. 7235/B
Engine no. 24/7222/B
Registration Number: HR7330

This rare Vintage-era Sunbeam previously belonged to noted marque expert and motoring author Bruce Dowell, and comes with his detailed account of its history. Chassis number '7235/B' was one of only 350 of this model built in 1922, with another 150 completed the following year. It was fitted with a 4½-litre six-cylinder engine, number '24/7222/B', and a Sunbeam-made open-drive landaulette body. Only 12 of this model have survived and '7235/B' is the only one that is not an open tourer.

The car is finished in Black over cream with the paintwork being excellent throughout. To the interior is Marron leather with just the right degree of patination, covering front rear & occasional seats. The interior has a very very period feel to it. The rear Landaulette roof opens easily after releasing two catches. The car is equipped with side screens to protect the driver & front passenger should conditions turn inclement.

It was supplied new to Alexander Lonsdale Fell of The Grange, Blunsdon, Wiltshire by Bridges Garage of Cirencester. The original license application is with the car. The next owner is recorded in August 1931 as Norman Scholes of Lower Porchester Street, London and again the license application form is with the car.

In late 1964, estate agents Pretty & Ellis of Chesham, Buckinghamshire were disposing of the estate of the late Mr Joseph Catlin of Cherry Tree Farm, Ley Hill, Chesham, the Sunbeam's then owner. Pretty & Ellis auctioned the Sunbeam, which was bought by collector Robert Inver 'Julian' Ball (see contemporaneous notes and other sale-related documents on file). Bruce Dowell got the opportunity to buy it when the Ball Collection was sold at auction in July 1988. He then ran the Sunbeam in 'as purchased' condition for a year or so before commencing a complete restoration.

Following the restoration's completion in the early 1990s, the Sunbeam became the Dowells' principal Vintage car and was used extensively for anything from shopping trips to long holidays in France and Spain. It was also used for dozens of weddings and some film work, being widely admired and complimented. Writing in 2005, Bruce Dowell remarked that the car had covered fewer than 50,000 miles in 83 years.

The current owner acquired the Sunbeam from Bruce Dowell in May 2006, since when the mileage total has increased to 57,468. While in the owner's care the rear brakes have been relined and the front wheel bearings replaced. Accompanying documentation consists of the aforementioned paperwork, an old-style logbook and current UK V5C registration document for the car's original registration 'HR 7330'.

Currently taxed and in superb restored condition, '7235/B' represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a unique Sunbeam dating from the Wolverhampton company's heyday, comprehensively documented and possessing superb poise and presence. In Bruce Dowell's own words: 'It is simply a magnificent car to be associated with.'

http://www.vintagerollsroycecars.com/car-details/1922-sunbeam-2460hp-45-litre-open-drive-landaulette_1127.html

1922 Sunbeam 25 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Grays by Vintage Prestige for £56000.

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