Sunbeam S7 Deluxe walk around and (fail to) start! Part 1 of 2

Designed by Erling Poppe as a ‘luxury’ motorcycle, by the time it went into production the car-influenced twin was both overpriced and (relatively) underpowered to a nation that wanted affordable ride-to-work motorcycles. A lack of ongoing development ensured sales were poor throughout its life and they disappeared forever in the mid fifties. Once maligned, they are now enjoying a new lease of life as practical classic motorcycles. Very reliable and capable of huge mileages, these shaft-driven all alloy OHC machines have a cult following from people attracted to the unusual design, extraordinary comfort and ease of use. IMHO they should have chrome plated the tank and mudguards, made it even more luxurious and branded it as a Daimler or Lanchester, appealing to the very wealthy ‘non-biker’ type of leisure & lifestyle motorcyclist, the post-war equivalent of the modern Harley buyer.