Beschreibung:

John Marston served his apprenticeship with Edward Perry's metalwork and japanning company in Wolverhampton, taking over the firm when Perry died. To domestic japanned-ware manufacture under the JM brand, he added bicycles in 1887, his 'Sunbeam' cycles displaying a quality unequalled by any other maker. In 1901, the company commenced manufacture of the famous Sunbeam cars and in 1912 he began to make motorcycles. A conservative man, Marston would only consider a 'gentleman's motor cycle', thus eschewing machines without clutch or foot starter. The company's first product, a lovely two-speed 347cc 'single' sold well, proving quiet and extremely durable. The second, this 3½hp 499cc side-valve, designed completely 'in-house' by John Greenwood, launched the firm into the top echelon of the trade, almost winning the Isle of Man TT race at its first attempt in the hands of H.R.Davies and remaining in production until 1926. For the 1915 season, the audible magneto gear drive was replaced by a silent toothed chain and the 85 x 88mm 'square' engine appeared in its developed form. The 3½hp was made for the military after 1915 with Sunbeam supplying machines for the British, French and Imperial Russian armies. Contemporary picture show the 3½hp in both service khaki and the famous Marston black enamel and gold finish, often with OHMS (On His Majesty's Service), on the number-plate. SM 1667 is one of these, first registered in 1921. It is in excellent condition, an older restoration to original specification, with a full set of contemporary accessories fitted. Recently overhauled with new rings, valves and guides and ready to go, this important Sunbeam comes with a V5C, old R.F.60 log-book and an MOT until January 2011.