A better ’Beam?

Thanks for the interesting article on the Sunbeam S7 in OBA 74. Please find attached one photo (from the editor of the UK motorcycle magazine) of an S7 or an S8 fitted with a Reliant car engine. I was impressed by the clean looking installation that would pass as a factory concept bike. Matthew Thomas Christchurch, New Zealand

The accompanying snippet from a UK magazine says the engine is a bored-out 850cc Reliant fitted with an Allard chain-gang motor mower (?) cylinder head, producing 40 hp – 15 more than the original. The crash bars are an integral part of the frame and add stiffness, while the original rubber mounting for the engine has been retained. The radiator comes from a Morris Mini. – Ed