Sunbeam 1000hp with workers at the Wolverhampton Sunbeam works

Arrival of Sunbeam 1000hp in New York

08 July 2026

Today on the 8th July 2026, the World Land Speed Record breaker, Sunbeam 1000hp arrived in New York. Following its restoration at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu the car was transported in a container to Southampton, and the car sailed on board the APL Houston to New York. It will now travel across America to California for the Pebble Beach Concours in August. Today’s arrival in the Big Apple replicates events 99 years ago, on 12th March 1927.

On 12th March 1927, Henry Segrave and his party arrived in New York having sailed from Southampton on the Cunard liner Berengaria. On board was a large wooden crate containing the Sunbeam 1000hp, eighteen crates of spare parts, fuel, and three crates of tires.

Segrave also had his green and white Sunbeam 3-litre touring car touring on board. Henry Segrave was supported by Kenelm Lee Guinness, Lord Rossmore, and Dunlop's Experimental Engineer, Norman Freeman.
During the trip Segrave received some worrying news about John Parry Thomas’ disastrous World Land Speed Record attempt at Pendine with ‘Babs’.

On arrival in New York the customs officials demanded £16,000 import duty for the car and equipment. The car was sent by rail to Daytona, still in its packing case and with stencilled acknowledgement to its maker. Meanwhile, Segrave arranged to fly down to Daytona and the support team members, led by Alex Broome sailed to Jacksonville on the Clyde Line "Mohawk". At Jacksonville the party was greeted by the town's Mayor, and they were invited to an official luncheon before their road journey to Daytona.

Driven by Segrave the Sunbeam 1000hp would eventually exceed 200 mph at Daytona Beach on the 29th March 1927. The National Motor Museum team are planning to celebrate this achievement 100 years to the day in 2027 with a run on the same beach – although at a slower speed!