Model Cars - Sunbeam - Matrix - 1950/1959

Sunbeam is a historic British brand that has been involved in multiple aspects of the automotive, engineering, and even military industries. Over the years, Sunbeam has produced a wide range of cars, from luxurious vehicles to racing machines. The brand’s story is intertwined with innovation, performance, and some notable moments in automotive history.

Founded The Sunbeam Motor Car Company was founded in 1905 by John Marston in Coventry, England. Marston initially worked with bicycles and motorized cycles before moving on to cars, where he eventually created the Sunbeam brand.

The first Sunbeam cars were luxury models, targeting wealthy individuals. The brand quickly made a name for itself in the early 20th century with elegant and high-performance vehicles.

Sunbeam cars were quite successful in motorsports, particularly in the early 20th century. They competed in various forms of racing, including rallying, hill climbs, and speed records.

In 1923, a Sunbeam set a world speed record, with a car reaching speeds of over 200 mph, a remarkable feat at the time.

The brand was also involved in Formula 1 racing, contributing to the sport’s development in the mid-20th century.

In 1935, Sunbeam became part of the Rootes Group, an automotive conglomerate that owned several British car brands, including Hillman, Humber, and Singer. This marked a significant shift for Sunbeam, as it became part of a larger company that focused on more mass-market cars.

In 1967, the Rootes Group was acquired by Chrysler. The Sunbeam brand continued to produce cars under Chrysler’s umbrella, but the focus was no longer on luxury vehicles and sports cars. Instead, Sunbeam produced more affordable and practical cars aimed at a broader audience.