World Land Speed Record breaker Sunbeam 1000hp starts journey to America for centenary celebrations

National Motor Museum engineers carefully loaded their pride and joy into a 40ft shipping container to be transported to Southampton Port and put on a ship bound for New York.

 Sunbeam is now in the safe hands of project logistics partner CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services) as it travels to America.
CARS International Shipping Manager Matthew Costello-Clarke, who helped secure the precious cargo inside its crate, said: “This was a unique challenge as, because of the size of Sunbeam’s wheels and that they’re solid at the back, we had to double-strap the chassis to the container.”

Sunbeam’s loading, which took several hours during last week’s heatwave, was watched by collaboration partners and supporters who have helped to get the restoration project over the line in time for its shipping deadline. See footage from the day here: https://youtu.be/b5d7H-MVrVw

National Motor Museum Senior Engineer Ian Stanfield, who led Sunbeam’s restoration, said: “We’re already looking forward to celebrating Sunbeam’s return to Beaulieu next year and I will be happy once it’s back here safe and sound.”

In the meantime, Sunbeam is making a nine-day journey on board APL Houston and is due to arrive in New York on July 5th.  The progress of the voyage can be tracked here: https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=9597537

Both of Sunbeam’s colossal 22.5 litre Matabele V12 aero engines have been painstakingly taken apart and restored with the rest of the car – for a planned low-speed demonstration run at Daytona in March 2027, marking the 100th anniversary of Sir Henry Segrave breaking the 200mph record. 

Though once on American soil, Sunbeam will first be taken across the United States on a road transporter to California for a star appearance at prestigious motoring event Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this August. 

Sunbeam will then go on show at the Petersen Automotive Museum and Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. For more details about Sunbeam’s itinerary in the USA, its history and restoration see https://nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/sunbeam1000hp.

For the Sunbeam wave-off, three Sunbeam World Land Speed Record breakers were lined up on Beaulieu’s arena. The previously restored Sunbeam 350hp remains on show in the museum’s For Britain & For The Hell Of It display of Land Speed Record breakers. The visiting, privately-owned Sunbeam Tiger can be seen at Beaulieu until July 6th. 

The National Motor Museum needs your support to ensure the preservation of the museum’s collections for future generations. Funds are also needed for Sunbeam 1000hp to be displayed and run again. To donate online, please visit: https://nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/support-us/donate-to-the-national-motor-museum-trust/