National Motor Museum Shortlisted for Prestigious International Historic Motoring Award

The Museum has been recognised in the Museum or Collection of the Year reflecting its exceptional contributions to the classic and collector car world. 

The good news does not end there as the Museum’s Sunbeam 350hp – also known as ‘Blue Bird’ – has been shortlisted in the category of Car of the Year 2025. There are ten cars on the shortlist, all chosen for their contribution to the historic vehicle world over the last year. The winner of Car of the Year is voted for by the public, including the readers of Magneto and Octane magazines, and the Museum is encouraging car enthusiasts and supporters to vote using an online form.

Sir Malcolm Campbell named the car Blue Bird and driving it at Pendine beach in Wales on 21 July 1925 raised the World Land Speed Record to 150.766 mph (242.628 km/h), the first time a car had exceeded 150 mph (240 km/h).

Celebrating excellence, innovation, and dedication across the global historic motoring community, the International Historic Motoring Awards shine a spotlight on individuals, clubs, organisations, and events that preserve, promote, and enrich our shared motoring heritage.
This year’s nominees reflect the passion, expertise, and creativity that continue to drive the historic motoring sector forward.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on November 14, 2025 at The Peninsula, London, where leading figures from the international motoring world will gather to celebrate outstanding contributions to the preservation and enjoyment of motoring history.

The National Motor Museum’s Chief Executive, Jon Murden says, “We are thrilled to be recognised by the International Historic Motoring Awards. To be shortlisted among such an esteemed group of nominees is an honour and reflects all our activities over the year, and the hard work and passion of our team. Our exhibitions, events and displays at Beaulieu have been supplemented by outreach all over Britain, including celebrating the centenary of the Sunbeam 350hp World Land Speed Record. We have also reached key milestones on the road to restoration of the Sunbeam 1000hp and engaged with a wide range of visitors and communities with our ‘Racing Pride’, ‘Icons of Formula 1’ and drag racing heritage and ‘We Had One of Those’ exhibitions at Beaulieu, and our Learning team’s Chatty Caravan outreach work.”