Sunbeam Sprint ‘Model 10’, 1924

On display at the Museum of Land Speed

The story of Sunbeam motorcycles begins with John Marston, a talented Wolverhampton manufacturer known for his beautifully crafted Japanware and tinplate goods. An enthusiastic cyclist, Marston founded the Sunbeamland Cycle Factory in 1887, producing premium bicycles finished in the brand’s distinctive black enamel and gold leaf. These elegant machines quickly gained a distinguished following and helped establish Sunbeam’s reputation for exceptional quality.

By 1911, Marston was ready for a new challenge. He asked his engineering team to create a motorcycle that matched the high standards of Sunbeam bicycles. Their first production model - a 2¾ hp, 349cc machine marketed as “The Gentleman’s Motorcycle”- became an immediate success. Demand was so high that customers often joined waiting lists stretching into 1914.

Sunbeam expanded quickly, introducing 3½ hp and 6 hp motorcycles in 1913. When the First World War began, these models, along with a newly developed 8 hp version, became widely used by British and Allied forces.

In 1916, at the age of 80, John Marston retired. His son Roland was expected to take over the company, but tragedy struck in 1918 when Roland died suddenly at only 45. John passed away the day after his son’s funeral, followed shortly by his wife Ellen; both reportedly from grief. Despite this devastating loss, Sunbeam’s work continued.

Civilian motorcycle production resumed in 1919 with new 3½ hp side‑valve and 8 hp V‑twin models. Around this time, motorsport was evolving rapidly, and sprint and hill climb events (where riders compete against the clock)  were growing in popularity.

One of Sunbeam’s own engineers, George Dance, became a legend in these disciplines. Dance modified standard 350cc and 500cc Sunbeams to create sleeker, faster sprint bikes, and by 1924 his designs entered the official Sunbeam catalogue. That year, Sunbeam also introduced a new naming system: the “Model” range.

The 1924 Sunbeam catalogue ran from the compact Model 1 (2¾ hp, 350cc) through to the purpose‑built sprint machines—the Model 10 (350cc OHV) and Model 11 (500cc OHV).
These high‑performance motorcycles included several innovations:

• OHV (Overhead Valve) engines, offering a durable and compact design
• Internal‑expanding brakes, replacing earlier belt‑rim systems
• A new four‑speed constant‑mesh ‘rack and pinion’ gearbox

The 1924 Model 10 Sunbeam Sprint on display at the Museum of Land Speed delivers 4½ hp from its 350cc engine and can reach 95mph on sand. Only three examples of this model are known to survive worldwide.

The Museum’s motorcycle was owned and raced by L.V. Thomas, who last competed with it on Pendine Sands in 1949.

When it was new in 1924, the Sunbeam Model 10 Sprint sold for 85 guineas (£89 5s)—a premium machine for serious riders.