The car started life as a 35hp limousine and was used by Lord Galway, the Governor General of New Zealand from 1935 to 1940. It became derelict in storage during the war years in Wellington and in 1946 it was bought, stripped and converted to a sports racing car with a shortened chassis. In 1989 the car was bought by Anne Thomson and her partner, Wallace McNair started a major restoration returning all the mechanical specifications to their original form. McNair has a fine eye for continental lines and it helps that he is a master craftsman in coachwork and mechanical refinements. “It was decided to create an appropriate piece of Automobile Art on the chassis,” says McNair. “The resulting bodywork has a French influence of a style used by Bugatti, Delage and Hispano.”
It helps to know that a Type 44 Bugatti is having a ground-up restoration in his specialist workshop above McNair’s motorhouse in Hamilton, New Zealand. His restorations have included the 1901 Lohner Porsche and the 1923 Indianapolis Mercedes for a German client. “In effect the Sunbeam is a stylised 19th century horse coach mounted on a superb quality chassis.” It is also one of only two of these big Sunbeams that have survived. The other is in the Orkneys…
“All the hardware and jewellery is period quality, complete with a Lalique cockerel radiator mascot. Upholstery is an art deco tapestry with a satin headlining.”
The interior is quite superb. Very Bertie Woosterish. The coupe body on the limo chassis makes for great looks. The front seats move forward to allow access to the generous pair of leather seats in the rear. A true 1920s gentleman’s GT which is near enough unique and the new owner can be satisfied to know that he will never see another…
Performance matches the style. Stately with period speed. McNair has driven the length of the North Island in top gear. Pulling power is amazing
As described by Eoin Young
