COMPANY

The Sunbeam Motor Car Company Limited came into existence in March 1905 with an initial capital of £40,000. The company started as a bicycle manufacturer under the fairly successful Sunbeam marque. In 1899, the company ventured into the production of cars and quickly commenced mass production of high-quality cars.

Founded by John Marston, the Sunbeam brand was registered in 1888 in Wolverhampton, England. In 1887, John Marston manufactured his first bicycle under the Sunbeam trademark. The company then moved on to make motorcycles although Marston disliked them as he considered them to be dangerous. John Marston was a cycling enthusiast and preferred riding bicycles to motorcycles.

Between 1899 and 1901, the company developed prototype cars; however none made it to the market. In 1901, the first model named the Sunbeam-Mableycycle car was put up for sale. This car became popular due to its unconventional design with four wheels, one each at the front and back and two in the middle. The seating was such that the passengers faced different directions. The odd design delivered limited success for the vehicle.

With that debacle, John Marston understood the importance of building conventionally designed cars. Shortly thereafter, a Thomas Pullinger-designed car came out. These cars were based on the Berliet mechanicals. In 1906, they introduced a new model based on a Peugeot and recorded a sale of about 10 per week. Peugeot-derived Sunbeam was conferred with a Tourist Trophy later.

By 1912, the company was completely focused on making conventional and high quality cars. Its biggest competitor was Rolls Royce. It was positioned as a car for people who viewed Rolls Royce a bit showy.

Sunbeam Motor Car Company Limited continued building cars until about 1936. It was also involved in making ambulances with aero and naval engines during the World War I. Then during the period of the World War II, the company also manufactured 647aircrafts.

The unending changes in management, the Great Depression and world wars hampered the success of the company for many years. Not able to withstand the depression, the company went into bankruptcy and was purchased by Lord Rootes in 1935. A year later, in 1936, the world saw the last Sunbeam in the market.