October’s featured bike comes from the ‘Sunbeam’ factory which started producing motorcycles in 1912. The machines had a strong record in TT races, winning their last race in 1929. The Sunbeam 10 followed the Sunbeam 8 which was introduced in 350cc and 500cc versions in 1924. The Model 10 was a new design for the 350cc class, featuring a 344cc overhead valve single cylinder engine with a three-speed gear box. It was unveiled in 1932 and was offered as a more reasonably priced machine than its predecessors.
In use, the Model 10 proved to be a reliable lightweight with good handling characteristics and exceptional petrol consumption.Having been purchased by BSA in 1943 from London motorcycle manufacturer AMC, Sunbeam production continued in the Redditch factory in Worcestershire. This being the location where the S7 and the S8 shaft driven motorcycles were designed and produced in the late 1940’s and 50’s