Grand Prix Sunbeams 1921, 1922 TT

The 1921 S.T.D. ‘Works’ Grand Prix chassis was built to the three-litre and minimum weight of 800 kilogrammes formula for that year’s Indianapolis 500 and French Grand Prix de l’A.C.F.. These team cars were modified by the Works for the 1922 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, which was won by one of the cars. A few months later, and with 1916 4.9-litre engines, two of the T.T. cars competed in the Coppa Florio, Sicily and gained second and fourth position.

The cars also participated in local events including Brooklands and hillclimbs. They are notable for obtaining the first significant international motor-racing success for Britain after the Great War and having "the best run of success by any Brooklands’ car in such a period". Of the five constructed, four survive: one as a single seater, two as standard T.T. and one as a resurrected T.T.

Sunbeam, the only British manufacturer committed to international racing emerged from the Great War well poised to amalgamate with two other firms of notable racing pedigree. Together with Talbot and Darracq they formed the S.T.D. Combine. S.T.D. was to become a dominant player in Land Speed Records, Grand Prix and Voiturette racing both in Britain and abroad. S.T.D. race cars using identical chassis and engines were to be designated variously as Sunbeam, Talbot or Talbot Darracq in response to the different events or countries they took part in. The highly evolved Experimental Departments in Wolverhampton and Suresnes cooperated on the meticulous development and construction of these fine wholly hand-crafted machines. These zero tolerance racing cars were milled, as it were, from solid billet. Racing program was extensive, tailor made alternative lightweight bodies, specific axle ratios and engines to suit each event were formed. The driving force behind the S.T.D. and its racing program was the charismatic and ingenious Breton Louis Coatalen. Designer, engineer and racer Coatalen was inspired by the belief that ‘Racing improves the breed’.

Whilst catapulting S.T.D. to the highest echelons of the sport with numerous successes still legendary today, the costly racing policy may have ultimately led to the demise of the once mighty S.T.D. Combine. Its subsequent merger with the Rootes Group was less than glorious. Conversely it may be that S.T.D.’s loss of direction and withdrawal from racing in the late Vintage period was the real source of their demise.

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