Originally Posted by
PeterLYoung
Just acquired another Sunbeam at a bike jumble. looks all to be original except for the SA Shifter as it is a BSA built Sunbeam and has a BSA 3 Speed. It has flat North Road bars and Sunbeams own Centre-pull Brakes. Also it has the iconic 'Little Oil Bath" gear-case.
It is in rideable condition and will get the oily rag treatment plus all bearings stripped, cleaned, lubed & adjusted plus the cables need lubrication so they free up fully, they do operate the brakes but are a bit stiff.
The serial number of S48571 compares to VCC Library verified purchases to a 1949 S48161 so putting it at 1949/50. I think it is a W3 Wayfarer. These Sunbeams are unique in the the Chain-case forms/replaces the drive side Chain-stay tube. they bath the chain permanently in oil prolonging the life of the drive components.
Very nice find, Peter!
Sunbeam was part of BSA until Raleigh took over BSA in 1957, so you' ll need a shifter like this one - introduced in 1948.
Peter