John Marston was a pioneer in the infant motor industry in the industrial West Midlands, establishing Sunbeam at Wolverhampton in 1899 and in 1901 producing his first car, the curious offset-diamond wheel layout Sunbeam-Mabley – one cannot accuse him of copying others’ ideas in this respect! These first faltering steps were soon rectified by the appointment of T.C.

Pullinger to the design team who brought with him a wealth of technical expertise gained within the then world-leading French automobile industry.

His 12hp Sunbeam of 1903 unashamedly cribbed much detail from the French Berliet but would establish the name of the Sunbeam Motor Car Co.

as a force to be reckoned with.

The later arrival of Louis Coatalen from Hillman was a major influence in Sunbeam’s progress, the marque enjoying considerable success in Edwardian motor sport, including 1-2-3 in the prestigious 1911 Coupe de l’Auto race and 4-5-6 in the French Grand Prix which was concurrently run.

Sunbeam’s achievements i...