A British motorcycle company.

Founded in Wolverhampton. The Marston company began by making bicycles, developing the Sunbeam brand. When the internal combustion engine appeared, it experimented with the addition of the motor to bicycle-type frames. The head of the company was averse to cars and this extended to motorcycles resulting in a long moritorium on motorcycle production not starting until 1912.

After the First World War, the Marston company was sold to a consortium. In 1919 the consortium became part of Nobel Industries Limited. In 1927 Nobel Industries amalgamated with Brunner Mond Ltd. to form (Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). In this huge organization motorcycle was a small part.

In 1936 the Sunbeam motorcycle name and dealer network was sold to Associated Motor Cycles Ltd ("AMC") who formed two new companies, one for bicycles and the other, Sunbeam Motor Cycles Ltd with production in London.

AMC then sold the name onto BSA who produced a couple of models from 1946 to 1956

Models

B's

1959 to 1964 B1, B2 Scooters

S's

1946 to 1956

S7, S8 (later)

An unusual engine layout, inline twin with propellor shaft drive to the rear wheel. Only available in green. Noted high build quality.

See Also