Sunbeam 350hp

The record-breaking Sunbeam 350hp at Pendine Sands in 2015

Key facts

  • Year

    1920

  • Country

    Great Britain

  • Capacity

    18,322cc

  • Cylinders

    V12

  • Valves

    Overhead camshaft

  • Output

    355bhp at 2,100rpm (as built)

  • Performance

    150.76mph

  • Price new

    Not marketed

  • Owner

    Montagu Collection

  • Manufacturer

    Sunbeam Motor Co. Wolverhampton.

The Sunbeam 350hp was one of the most significant Land Speed Record cars, holding the record on three occasions. It was designed by Sunbeam’s chief engineer Louis Coatalen and built at the company’s Wolverhampton works during 1919 and early 1920. Power came from a modified 18 litre Sunbeam V12 ‘Manitou’ aero engine. Transmission was via a four-speed gearbox and drive shaft.

Famous drivers such as Harry Hawker, Rene Thomas, Jean Chassagne and Kenelm Lee Guinness raced the car with varying amounts of success. Guinness drove it to its first Land Speed Record, achieving 133.75mph at Brooklands on 17th May 1922.

Captain Malcolm Campbell purchased the car from Sunbeam in 1923, undertaking the first of several rebuilds, and repainting it in his famous blue livery as it became the latest in his line of cars to carry the name ‘Blue Bird’. In September 1924, Campbell claimed the Land Speed Record with a run of 146.16mph at Pendine Sands. He returned to Pendine the next year and on 21st July became the first person to break the 150mph barrier with a new record of 150.76mph.

Rated 0 out of 5

The car threw sand and spray far and wide, and it travelled amazingly well. Its fastest speed was 152.8mph and we actually set up a new World record with 150.7mph through the measured mile. This, I felt, was indeed a milestone in the history of motor-racing.

Sir Malcolm Campbell on the 1925 record, Speed on Wheels 1949
Sunbeam Landscape Art V3

Sunbeam 350hp World Land Speed Record Centenary

Sir Malcolm Campbell broke the World Land Speed Record on 21 July 2025 driving the Sunbeam 350hp at Pendine beach in Wales. The car became the first to exceeded 150 mph. Now restored and part of the vehicle collection at the National Motor Museum we are celebrating this feat of British engineering and the centenary of the 150mph World Land Speed Record in 2025. 

Find out more

Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

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