Sunbeam Longstroke 3.5 500 Model T.T. Circuit of Monza - 1922- motorcycle racing

Description

A superb and rare photo of the
1922
Sunbeam “Longstroke” 3.5HP Model T.T.
or
Longstroke 500 Model TT
with the Italian racing ace and National Champion
Ernesto Vailati
, shortly after
winning
the prestigious
Premio U.C.A.M.
race that was ridden at the Northern Italian circuit of
Monza
in
1922
.
It is a great looking photo that really captures the spirit of 1920s racing.
The Sunbeam is covered in road dust, but look how oil-tight-dry that magnificent engine is after the hard race!
The Sunbeam T.T. Model has an interesting history.
After World War I, motorcycle sporting events restarted in 1919.
Just like before the war, Sunbeam continued to have a high profile in racing and remained very successful. Competitions were dominated by Sunbeam riders such as
George Dance
,
Tommy De La Hay
and
John Greenwood
. 1920 was to be an important year for the Sunbeam competition team. The company achieved its
first
T.T. victory when Tommy De La Hay came first in the 500cc Senior Race at an average speed of 51.79m.p.h.
W.R. Brown
came third on a similar machine and George Dance had the fastest lap at nearly 56m.p.h.
In 1921 Sunbeam already experimented with an OHV racing engine, but the company’s main racing machine was the
Model T.T.
It was a thoroughly reworked version of the standard 3.5 HP Model.
This exciting, highly sportive racing model was also offered for sale to the general public.
In 1922 it received an engine with a slightly longer stroke.
That machine, the “Longstroke” 3.5HP Model T.T., is featured on the photo, after winning at
Monza
, with the victorious Vailati as the rider.
But 1922 had other great victories to offer Sunbeam, as the magnificent Alec Bennet gave Sunbeam with a similar machine its second T.T. win in the 500cc Senior Race.
Bennet won the race with an average speed of 58.33m.p.h.
The Sunbeam Longstroke 3.5 HP Model T.T. had a vertical, single cylinder sidevalve engine with a 499cc capacity.
Bore and stroke were
3.31”
x
4.13”
(77 x
105 mm
).
The rear frame was rigid, but at the front a wonderfully constructed Druid front fork was mounted.
This
non period
photo reflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycling, and Sunbeam history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x
30 cm
).
Check out our other Sunbeam photos!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.