A collection of vintage motorcycles is making its way to the region for the eighth annual Sunbeams in Oz rally. Riders and their prized bikes will in the area from Friday, September 14 to Saturday, September 16.

Sunbeam motorcycles were manufactured in England from 1915 through to 1957, with a large of them making their way to Australian shores.

Of these, some have survived the years and have been retored to their former glory. For Sunbeam owners, it’s a project of love, with many hours devoted to the restoration of these classic bikes.

Proud owners from around the country will gather in Gloucester, as they’ve been doing since the first rally held at Wangaratta in October 2011.

The idea started when Sunbeams owners, Colin Parish and Bruce Palmer decided they wanted to see how many bikes were still around. After the first rally saw 20 bikes, they decided to make it an annual event and after the second one, began holding it around the country.

Fellow Sunbeam owner, Adrian Dawson said anybody is welcome to host a rally, with this year’s host being Craven’s David Pryce-Jones.

“So far we have seen a lot of Australia,” Adrian explained, “And the group is growing all the time.”

Based on the groups newsletter distribution, Adrian believes there’s about 125 Sunbeam motorcycles around Australia.

“My wife and I had the privilege of staying in Gloucester in May this year whilst on business,” Adrian said. “It is a beautiful town with some magnificent landscapes and we are very much looking forward to riding the area on classic motorbikes.

“With the youngest Sunbeams now in their 60’s, they don’t go fast.”