This is a 1932 Sunbeam Model 9 overhead-valve 500cc which has a personal connection to the owner, Daniel Hungerbuehler. These are his words on how he came to be the custodian of the motorcycle that was purchased by his Great Uncle from Sunbeamland in 1932.
The Sunbeam was acquired by my great uncle in 1932, however he unfortunately died in 1935 and the bike was inherited by my grandfather. My grandfather used the motorcycle as his only means of transport until the mid-1950s. In 1955, in keeping with the spirit of the times, he bought a car, and the Sunbeam was decommissioned and laid up.
Fortunately, my grandfather didn’t throw the Sunbeam away, and stored it in a wooden shed behind his house in Zurich. The years went by, and time took its toll on the shed which became dilapidated. In 1995 it had to be demolished and the question arose as to what to do with the Sunbeam. My godmother (my grandfather’s eldest daughter), decided to resurrect the motorcycle and had it restored by a friend. Technically, the engine and gearbox were overhauled.
A fair amount of work was done to improve the aesthetics of the bike, but not too much so as not to spoil the character… what was still good was left as it was. The tank received a partial paint restoration, with the original gold leaf pinstripes retained.
After the restoration had been completed, the Sunbeam was taken to the Klausen Memorial. The Klausen is a mountain pass in Switzerland, where, during the 1930’s, there was a famous hill climb, with cars and motorcycles competing up the hill. The Sunbeam was not registered and was ridden by the restorer with a dealership number plate. It was then packed up into a purpose made wooden crate, and stowed in a garage for a number of decades.
Approximately two years ago, the Sunbeam became a topic of conversation, and I was asked if I would like to become the new custodian. Of course, I immediately said yes and rescued it from its slumber shortly afterwards. I picked it up with the trailer and transported it to my workshop. I carried out a visual inspection, and it all appeared to be in good shape… apart from some dusting, there wasn’t much to do.
Technically, however, I had to invest quite a bit of time into the bike. The petrol tank was rusty inside and had to be cleaned/coated. The petrol tap had to be resealed. I completely rebuilt the inside of the carburettor with new parts. The ignition, magneto and dynamo had to be overhauled and some of the electrical wiring was incorrect. The speedometer and the clock were repaired. The brake pads had to be renewed, and of course the tyres, battery, oil, grease, etc. also had to be replaced after such a long time without use.
In order to prevent problems with the registration, I decided to have a FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) certificate issued. The time had come in April 2023. The machine was running again, and nothing stood in the way of registration. Surprisingly, I had no problems. I got a number plate straight away and was allowed to ride on the road. Even when I presented the bike two months later to the MOT, no faults were found, and I got the veteran’s licence without any discussion.
In the meantime, I have driven many kilometres and been to a few meetings. Riding “Emil” (my grandfather was called Emil) is incredible fun and many people look at the bike with fascination and ask me questions when it is parked at the petrol station or in front of the restaurant.
Thank you to Daniel Hungerbuehler (@underground_motors.ch) for the article and for the photos sent in of Emil the Sunbeam.
an article by The Girder Club
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