Porsche Sunbeam S8 Special to sell

December 2015

Bonhams| Sunbeam Motorcycles | 1300cc

We're not sure which is the greater sacrilege; putting a Porsche engine in a Sunbeam S8, or wrapping a Sunbeam S8 around a 1955 Porsche "A" Series motor. Then again, does it really matter if you turn it all into something unique, memorable and fun to ride?

Certainly, Gordon Griffiths who owned the S8 (registration number XML 841) way back in 1969 evidently decided a little transplant surgery was perfectly acceptable when he felt he needed more puff and go.

He first tried a Volkswagen 1200cc Beetle engine, but that didn't satisfy. So arguably, a logical step was to look to the Vee-Dub's close relation, the aforementioned "A" Series Porsche lump.

To effect the transition, he needed to have a special clutch bell-housing cast in aluminium. And while that was underway, he had the rocker boxes cast too (the originals were pressed steel). The bike was first displayed at the 1972 BMF Rally.

The engine is thought to have a capacity of 1300cc, but it's said to be wrongly recorded on the V5C as 990cc. The year is recorded as 1952.

The front fork is a Norton Roadholder unit. The petrol tank and indicators are scavenged from a BMW. The rear suspension has been modified to suit the driveline. The speedometer is from a Vincent Black Shadow. And no doubt there are dozens of other modifications carefully crafted in order to fit Part A to Part B to Part C, etc.

Beyond this, there's very little detail given regarding the bike. Nevertheless, Bonhams is anticipating a sale of between £9,500 and £11,000 when the Porsche Sunbeam goes under the hammer tomorrow (10th December 2015) at its sale at Hendon RAF Museum in North London. We counted 26 bikes on offer.

Here at Sump, that estimate looks a little optimistic. But you can never tell with specials. The Lord of creation moves in mysterious ways (and all that stuff).

There's a very detailed history file with this bike which includes casting patterns and large format photographs. All it needs now is the right buyer with a fat wallet and a sense of history.

So why's it up for sale? Increasing age, we're advised (which we assume refers to the owner and not the bike).

Interested?

UPDATE: The bike didn't sell

www.bonhams.com

— Girl Happy