Private sale
Classic Cars
The 1924 Sunbeam Grand Prix Usine presented by Aguttes on Wheels
The Automobiles de Collection department of Aguttes auction house is proud to present a unique piece of automotive history: the Sunbeam Grand Prix Usine 1924. A true legend of the 1920s, its history, authenticity and performance make it one of the most exceptional racing cars of the 1920s.
Sunbeam: a history of passion and automotive innovation
John Marston's company, which had been making bicycles since 1887, built its first prototype car, a belt-driven 4 HP, in 1899. Sunbeam quickly distinguished itself by its innovative spirit. Very early on, the brand entered motor racing, seeking to prove the reliability and performance of its vehicles on the most prestigious circuits.
Before the First World War, Sunbeam adopted an aggressive competition strategy under the leadership of engineer Coatalen. The Wolverhampton-built vehicles racked up successes, particularly at Brooklands. In 1912, an armada of Sunbeam 3 Litre cars dominated the Coupe de l'Auto, taking the top three places. What's more, these cars finished 3rd, 4th and 5th in the French Grand Prix, in a class where they were up against much larger cars. These landmark results, including the first victory for a British car on the continent in 10 years, cemented Sunbeam's reputation as a leader in motor sport.
In the 1920s, Sunbeam reached its apogee, notably with racing models such as the Sunbeam Grand Prix. Sunbeam became a key brand in the history of racing cars, a symbol of British performance and expertise. The brand has stood the test of time, and remains an emblem of the automotive engineering of its time.
A living legend on the greatest circuits
This Sunbeam Grand Prix Usine 1924, one of only 3 ever built and now part of one of Europe's most prestigious collections, made its mark on motoring history by taking part in legendary competitions on the world's greatest racetracks. As early as 1924, it took part in prestigious races such as the legendary ACF Grand Prix, run in Lyon: surely THE race of the inter-war period, which also saw the presentation of another legend, the Bugatti Grand Prix Type 35. The Sunbeam distinguished itself at other emblematic Grand Prix races, such as the ACF Grand Prix at Montlhéry in 1925 and the San Sebastian Grand Prix, as well as at legendary events such as the Mont Ventoux Hill Climb and Brooklands, another temple of speed.
This car (chassis no. 3, which illustrates these pages) was driven by legendary drivers such as Lee Guinness, Segrave, Counts Masetti and Conelli, and Kaye Don, who won numerous victories and set records at its wheel. In 1930, six years after it was built, it was still breaking speed records for the factory...
The Sunbeam Grand Prix Usine 1924 chassis n°3 continued to shine well into the 1950s, before joining the prestigious National Motor Museum in Beaulieu in 1962, where it remained on display until 2018. One of the few surviving cars of its era, it is a living testimony to the golden age of motor racing.
An authentic collector's marvel
What makes this Sunbeam so special is that it is presented in incredible original condition. Its chassis, bodywork and 6-cylinder twin overhead camshaft compressor engine, which develops almost 180 bhp at speeds in excess of 200 km/h, have never been modified. It is without doubt one of the most authentic Grand Prix cars of the 1920s... if not the only one. A monument to motoring, now in search of its next guardian of time...
Still in possession of its original registration DA 8667, it will be received at the biggest historic races (Monaco GP, Goodwood Revival) and competitions around the world.
To be continued.
Contact Aguttes on Wheels for more information and to take part in this exceptional private sale.
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CONTACTS FOR THESE SALES
Head of department
Gautier Rossignol
+33 (0)1 47 45 93 01 - +33 (0)7 45 13 75 78
rossignol@aguttes.com
Specialist
Sales Manager
Hugo Baldy
+33 (0)1 47 45 93 01 - +33 (0)7 60 78 10 18
baldy@aguttes.com
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