Description

1956 Sunbeam Supreme MkIII

No Reserve

Oily rag car in regular use; recent engine rebuild; a strong performer now needing a bit of TLC; one of only 2,250 made

This Sunbeam MkIII was ordered on behalf of Mr T Sergnon-Brooke of SW3 on 14th June 1956 and delivered to Rootes London just three days later. We are not sure how long he owned the car, but by 1971 it had was in dry storage where it was to remain for the next 30 years.

Its long term owner eventually got round to tackling the project in 2002, with bills on file showning an extensive restoration/recommissioning. All manner of work was done, from a new clutch, new brakes and cleaning and treating of the chassis. By this time, the registration number SXV 487 had dropped off the DVLA radar, but its owner managed to reunite the car with its original number thanks to the STAR (Sunbeam Talbot Alpine Register).

It was put up for sale in 2006, a detailed list of the restoration works listed in the history file. It changed hands a few times before our vendor acquired the car in 2013. He used it extensively - almost as his everyday transport until it dropped a valve at speed on the M3 around five years ago.

He subsequently rebuilt the engine with a replacement piston and new valves and springs (to be on the safe side). It was soon running well and has been in constant if less active use since.

Its last major journey was from London to Scotland and back in the middle of last year and is only for sale due to loss of covered storage. It comes with 10 old MOTs, the last from 2012, a handbook, workshop manual and original tools in the boot.

The vendor advises that it has strong performance and would be an ideal candidate to use and improve. He adds that the speedo head needs replacement as this is inoperable (they are readlily available), the fuel gauge is slightly temperamental and that it has a tendency to hop out of third on the over-run, a common issue apparently. There is scope for cosmetic improvement too as can be seen in the photos, but it remains in solid order and would be transformed with a few weekends' elbow grease.

Only around 2,250 of these were made of which only a handful survive so it could be a while before you see another for sale. 

For more information - contact Matthew Parkin 07813 936698 or matthew.parkin@brightwells.com