National Motor Museum announces trans-Atlantic partnership for World Land Speed Sunbeam 1000hp tour

05 February 2026

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, England is partnering with CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services) company which will become its ‘Exclusive Logistics Partner’ in the USA to transport and display the iconic Sunbeam 1000hp – the first vehicle to exceed 200 mph - when it arrives in America in the summer of 2026.

“We are delighted to partner with logistics company CARS who are supporting the USA tour of the soon to be restored Sunbeam 1000hp,” says Jon Murden, the National Motor Museum’s Chief Executive. “The Sunbeam 1000’s restoration debut is at the 2026 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. We will soon be able to announce where the car will be transported by CARS and displayed subsequently before its centennial run at Daytona in the spring of 2027.”

James Walker, Managing Director of CARS, says, “Working with historically important vehicles is a responsibility we never take lightly. For over 30 years we have specialised in moving some of the world’s most iconic motorcars, supporting museums, collectors and institutions who trust us with cars that simply cannot be replaced. The Sunbeam 1000hp is a landmark piece of motoring history, and we are honoured to play a part in bringing it to audiences in the United States.”

The legendary vehicle is currently being restored at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire, England. The aim of the restoration campaign is to return the British engineering icon to Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2027, marking 100 years since it broke the 200mph Land Speed Record in 1927. The car was driven by Sir Henry Segrave – one of the most famous international motoring heroes of his day. Significant milestones in its restoration have been met including having the colossal 22.4 litre Matabele V12 aero engine roar to life once again – it is hoped that the vehicle’s second engine will be restored in advance of it departing for the USA in the summer.

Sunbeam 1000hp in the USA in 1927

Images taken from the photograph album by Richard H. LeSesne depicting Major Henry Segrave breaking the World Land Speed Record in the unique 1000hp Sunbeam car. This was the first vehicle to officially exceed 200mph/321.86kph, a feat achieved at Daytona Beach, Florida on 29th March 1927. The National Motor Museum Trust was grateful to H&H Auctions who kindly supported the purchase of the album, enabling it to be saved for the nation (© National Motor Museum Motoring Picture Library).

During the 1920s and 1930s the frontiers of speed and technology were constantly being challenged, and LeSesne specialised in the photography of Land Speed Record attempts at Daytona. His in-depth coverage of these events provides a marvelous insight into the historical achievements at this legendary venue, known as the ‘World’s Most Famous Beach’. The images also show the audiences of these big events, demonstrating the immense public enthusiasm for speed and the quest for national acclaim. The curiosity of those who went to see the record attempt cars as they journeyed to Daytona in distinctive shipping crates is captured along with the anticipation of the enormous crowds that lined the 9 mile beach course to witness the events.