1934 Sunbeam Dawn

This Sunbeam Dawn was purchased by the current vendor in 2022 as an addition to his wedding car business. Having had a large variety of pre-war cars in the past and present, the Sunbeam was the perfect addition to add to the vendor’s collection.

Prior to the current owners ownership, the car was purchased locally from a vintage car enthusiast, which to our and the vendor’s knowledge spent copious amounts of time ensuring the Sunbeam was well and truly looked after. The most notable change this owner completed was to the paintwork. Having the car resprayed back to its original two-tone paintwork, as apposed to the full black colour scheme.

When first purchased the car had a full check over by a local specialist to ensure that everything was present and correct before starting its working life. Some fettling was needed to ensure the car was running right but a quick tune up saw the car running without fault or hesitation.

There are various documents and receipts for all sorts of mechanical work completed over the years. One of these includes an engine diagnostic and rebuild. Others include miscellaneous items from when the car was previously restored by an ex-Rootes factory employee as well as the aforementioned respray.

The car is confirmed on the Sunbeam Darracq Register and so is eligible for their events, races, trials etc. The STD club are very good at giving advise on spares, and for a very rare car the parts are surprisingly easy to source via the club.

The exterior of the Sunbeam Dawn is as opulent as it is curvaceous. The exuberant chrome radiator cowling adawns the front end, whilst flared wheel arches typical of 50’s design ensure the Sunbeam represents its luxurious persona, whether that be whilst it’s marauding British roads or country estates. Full length running boards, two-tone paintwork, a spare wheel and an external trunk space add further appeal to this classic machine. Its not only eye-catching but sublime.

The Sunbeam was refinished in 2015 by a previous owner and restored back to its two-tone paintwork. The contrast between light and dark is extraordinary and something to be seen in the flesh. It’s evident at close inspection that this was no cheap feat with paperwork confirming this. Even in muted light, the paintwork is remarkably glossy and has a deep shine to it. There are only a few imperfections to be aware of, there is a split on the offside rear WHAT and the bonnet is showing signs of blistering.

Everything else, externally on the Sunbeam appears to be in good order and presenting well. Panel gaps and shut lines appear even with all doors opening and closing with little fuss.

As expected it from a car of this era there is an exceptional amount of chrome work placed throughout. This appears to be rather lustrous but expect slight signs of aging in places. Lights and lenses are clean, clear and free from fading. You wouldn’t necessarily expect the lights to be up to much in the dark, given the age but the vendor tells us that is quite the opposite and that they perform ‘surprisingly for an old car’

All wheels and tyres present wheel with nothing untoward to note. If we were being fussy the locking wheel caps are starting to deteriorate slightly but given their positioning and where they are, this is somewhat to be expected.

The cabin of this Sunbeam offers a prestigious level of comfort and detail, the same level found externally. Its deep red leather mixed with lightened wood veneer reiterates that one does not drive such a vehicle but is chauffeured. Which is exactly why it made the perfect car for couples getting married. Again, echoing elegance and beauty.

The door cards are coveted with the same deep red leather, light wood and chrome handles that are found elsewhere. The Sunburst pattern is synonymous with the Art Deco style and are a nod to the very name of the car, 'The Dawn',  They present well and are free from any imperfections that we could see.

The rear bench is a poignant feature and one not to be overlooked. Forget, single seats as found with the new modern age machines that we are accustomed to, instead welcome a full beam leather bound sofa, if you will. The front seats tell a similar story. Signs of aging and wear is present and notable but we feel it adds further charm and character to the Sunbeam, something it already had ample amounts of.

The cockpit, as you would expect is surprisingly simple. Three pedals and steering wheel controls as you would expect and an array of gauges tucked behind a wooden veneer dashboard. The gauges and switches look to be in good shape but as expected do show signs of patina in places, although all still perfectly legible

The Sunbeams main party trick is simply exceptional. A full folding panoramic sunroof. Simple technology yet incredibly clever. I can only imagine flooding the cabin with sunlight, accentuating the many fine materials that are found throughout and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

The theme and attention to detail is awe inspiring, as is the condition it remains in.

The car itself has ticked over 40,960 miles. Opening the engine bay, is reminiscent of a bygone era but a simpler one. Easy engineering that is effective and works. The engine and the engine bay looked to he in good condition. It appeared clean and we saw no signs of any leaks or leaking fluids. A rebuild has been documented by a previous owner.

When first purchased, it was subject to a full review by a local classic car specialist, due to it being intended to be used as a working car. Of course some fettling was needed to ensure that it was exactly where it should be but generally speaking, it was a peach.

One of the reasons the Vendor chose this particular car for his wedding business was the requirement for a reliable vehicle, which still has period charm. The Dawn was a clear choice. Sunbeam engineering at that time was of very high quality. The pistons were made with steel skirts and aluminium alloy heads and the pushrods were of Duralumin to balance the expansion of the cylinder block. An aluminium engine block, wet liners, hydraulic brakes, synchromesh gearbox and independent suspension, are some of the key features which show the quality of engineering found on Sunbeam cars. The vendor tells us that it runs and drives like a modern car. The addition of the fuel pump means the car starts on the button. Something we can attest to.

That said, we are informed that the Dawn will sit comfortably at 50mph so ideal for those longer tours across the country or even the continent, should the new owner decide.

There is a plethora of paperwork to be found with the Sunbeam. Everything from manuals to recent receipts for work completed. The V5C is present and correct and recognises the vehicle as historic, meaning that it is tax free and MOT exempt.

Some of the larger bills and paperwork document the engine rebuild, in depth, from diagnostic and reasons for failure all the way through to what was completed to have it back up to the required running specifications . There is also a receipt for its most recent respray, amongst other items.

A stunning example of an often unseen piece of motoring history. Whilst most examples have either been forgotten about or tucked away for good, this Sunbeam is still running around on the UK roads, and it does it with ease and endless amounts of finesse.

It starts and runs correctly, it turns heads and looks simply exquisite all the same time. The love, care and attention that the car has received over the years has ensured that for the next 20/25 years, perhaps longer, that it will continue to turn wheels on the road and heads. An otherwise flawless example of a lesser earlier spotted motoring pioneer.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £10,000 - £14,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Debenham, Suffolk. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.