Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Sunbeam

The Sunbeam car company was a prominent British automobile manufacturer with a rich history in engineering, luxury, and motorsport. Founded in the late 19th century, Sunbeam produced high-quality touring cars, racing machines, and even land speed record vehicles. Over the years, the brand changed ownership multiple times and eventually became part of the Rootes Group, then Chrysler Europe, and finally Peugeot-Talbot. Though no longer in production, Sunbeam holds an important place in automotive history.

Early Beginnings (1877–1901)

Sunbeam began as a bicycle manufacturer in Wolverhampton, England. The company was founded by John Marston in 1877 under the name John Marston Co. Ltd. It built a reputation for high-quality bicycles known as “Sunbeam Cycles,” admired for their elegant design and smooth performance.

Transition to Automobiles

In 1901, inspired by the growing automobile movement, the company entered car manufacturing. Its first car, based on a French Berliet design, marked the beginning of a long and prestigious journey in automotive engineering.

Rise to Prominence (1901–1914)

By 1905, the company was producing its own designs and had renamed itself the Sunbeam Motor Car Company. Under the leadership of talented engineers like Louis Coatalen, Sunbeam grew rapidly in quality and reputation.

Engineering Excellence

Coatalen introduced advanced engineering practices, including overhead camshaft engines and early use of aluminum components. Sunbeam cars became known for their refined performance and mechanical durability.

Motorsport Success

Sunbeam quickly earned a reputation in motorsport. In 1912 and 1913, Sunbeam cars won the prestigious Coupe de l’Auto races in France. In 1914, Sunbeam won the French Grand Prix, becoming the first British manufacturer to do so.

World War I and Technical Prowess

During World War I, Sunbeam focused on aircraft and aero engine production, contributing greatly to the British war effort. The company produced engines like the Sunbeam Arab and Sunbeam Nubian used in military aircraft.

Golden Age and Land Speed Records (1920s)

The 1920s marked the golden age of Sunbeam, with luxurious touring cars, Grand Prix victories, and global fame for its land speed record attempts.

Sunbeam Grand Prix Cars

In 1923, Sunbeam won the Spanish Grand Prix and finished strong in other international competitions. The brand was synonymous with speed and technical innovation.

Land Speed Record Achievements

• 1924 – Kenelm Lee Guinness drove a Sunbeam to over 133 mph, setting a new land speed record.
• 1925 – Malcolm Campbell piloted a 350 hp Sunbeam to 150.76 mph on Pendine Sands.
• 1927 – The 1,000 hp Sunbeam, driven by Henry Segrave, reached 203.79 mph at Daytona Beach, becoming the first car to exceed 200 mph.

Mergers and Economic Challenges (Late 1920s–1930s)

In 1920, Sunbeam merged with Talbot and Darracq to form the Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq (STD) group. Despite early success, financial troubles hit the group hard during the Great Depression.

Takeover by Rootes Group

In 1935, the STD group collapsed, and Sunbeam was acquired by the Rootes Group. Rootes shifted Sunbeam’s focus from high-end performance cars to more accessible models, often badge-engineered versions of Hillman or Humber vehicles.

Sunbeam Under Rootes (1935–1960s)

Under Rootes, the Sunbeam name survived but was repositioned. The emphasis shifted from racing to stylish sedans and sporty coupes for the middle-class buyer.

Notable Models

• Sunbeam-Talbot 90 – A sporty saloon of the 1940s and early 1950s with rallying success.
• Sunbeam Alpine – Introduced in 1959, a small, elegant roadster that competed with the MG and Triumph convertibles. Famously driven by James Bond in Dr. No.
• Sunbeam Rapier – A sporty two-door coupe introduced in 1955, known for its stylish design and rally success.

Chrysler Takeover and Decline (1967–1978)

In the late 1960s, the Rootes Group (including Sunbeam) was acquired by Chrysler Corporation, which aimed to enter the European market. Chrysler rebranded some models as Sunbeam-Chryslers and introduced new designs.

Sunbeam Lotus

In 1979, Chrysler Europe introduced the Sunbeam Lotus — a rally-bred hot hatch with a Lotus-tuned 2.2L engine. It became a Group 4 rally icon, winning the 1980 World Rally Championship for manufacturers.

End of the Brand

After Chrysler sold its European operations to PSA Peugeot-Citroën in 1978, the Sunbeam name was gradually phased out. The final car to bear the Sunbeam badge — the Chrysler Sunbeam hatchback — was discontinued in 1981.

Legacy of Sunbeam

Sunbeam left an indelible mark on the history of British motoring. From Grand Prix victories to land speed records, luxury tourers to iconic roadsters, the Sunbeam name represented innovation, elegance, and speed.

Collectors and Clubs

Sunbeam cars are widely collected today, with active clubs in the UK and abroad. Models like the Sunbeam Alpine, Sunbeam Tiger (a V8-powered version built in collaboration with Carroll Shelby), and vintage Sunbeam Grand Prix cars are highly prized.

Motorsport Legacy

The brand’s contributions to Formula racing, rallying, and land speed records place it among the elite automotive names of the early 20th century.

Conclusion

The Sunbeam car company played a crucial role in shaping British automotive engineering, design, and motorsport. Though no longer in production, its cars and achievements continue to fascinate historians, enthusiasts, and collectors alike. Sunbeam’s legacy lives on in the elegance of its classic cars and the echoes of its roaring engines on racetracks and speedways around the world.