1950 Sunbeam S7 delux | Boxford, Suffolk

A 1950 Sunbeam S7 delux, the BSA-built post-war British motorcycle known for its smooth shaft drive and broad balloon tyres. Its 500cc overhead-cam twin sits lengthways in the frame, and the rounded mudguards give the whole machine a soft, flowing outline. This one is finished in a pastel shade of green that suits the period, and the solo saddle repeats the colour, so the bike reads as a single tone. The engine is rubber-mounted, which keeps the ride smooth, and the condition is very good. With one saddle and uncluttered lines, its shape stays clear from every angle. Period film and television scenes get an immediate post-war look from the balloon tyres and mudguards. Fashion shoots and advertising get a one-colour subject that holds together on a studio floor or a country lane. Wedding and milestone portraits gain a gentle retro backdrop. The bike is based in Suffolk.