Lot 017: 1932 SUNBEAM SPEED 20

Finished in maroon over black with red leather upholstery, this particular example was road registered some while before the model's official introduction. As such, it had long been thought a prototype. A supposition now apparently confirmed through consultation with Ian Walker (editor of the Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq club newsletter) to whom we are indebted. Acquired as a wreck by its now sadly deceased owner in 1984, it was subsequently treated to an exacting chassis-up rebuild (the work being chronicled in an accompanying photo album). Understood to have had hardened valve seats installed in its cylinder head thus permitting the use of unleaded petrol, it is said to have been driven regularly up until December 2004 but not to have turned a wheel since (though the engine has been started on occasion). Undeniably handsome and very rare (one source puts total Speed 20 production at 98 units) this potentially unique Sunbeam's last MOT certificate expired on 18th June 2005. Offered for sale with photographic rebuild record, it is still taxed until 31st January 2006. PLEASE NOTE: The secretary of the S.T.D. register has stated the following: This car was probably, and is believed to be, the first 'Speed 20' but did not have the later production chassis. Evidence for this can be seen in the bolt-on wheels. The background is that the company used the old 18À2 chassis for this car while subsequent models had the chassis designed for it. This one is slightly longer. PLEASE NOTE: A photograph of this car was featured in the July 1992 edition of the S.T.D. Register Newsletter at a rally, possibly in Shropshire.