Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum has completed the Sunbeam 1000hp restoration – the car in which Sir Henry Segrave broke the World Land Speed Record in 1927. With the work now finished, the Sunbeam will appear at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 16, 2026 before returning to Daytona Beach for a special centenary run in March 2027.
Following years of preparation, National Motor Museum engineers spent more than three years restoring Segrave’s machine – colloquially known as ‘The Slug’, and the first human-driven vehicle to ever surpass the 200mph barrier. Without original manuals, blueprints or documentation to reference, the Sunbeam 1000hp restoration was one of the most demanding projects Beaulieu’s engineering team has faced.
Led by senior engineer Ian Stanfield, the engineers discovered more problems than expected when dismantling the car’s gigantic 22.5-litre Matabele V12 aero engines, and extensive Sunbeam 1000hp restoration work was required to repair the original parts.
In recent weeks the second engine was finally installed in the chassis, both powerplants were tested and the original bodywork was reinstalled. Bespoke 600 x 23 rubber from Vintage Tyres has been fitted, along with a handful of new components. The target of appearing at this year’s Pebble Beach meant the Sunbeam 1000hp restoration had to be finished by the end of June so it could be shipped from Southampton to California in time for August.
“I’m so proud of this achievement and of the workshop team who made it happen,” said National Motor Museum chief executive Jon Murden. “Ian Stanfield and his team’s expertise and perseverance have ensured the restoration was completed to schedule. We’re grateful to all the funders and supporters who helped make this happen, and we’re excited for the next chapter as the Sunbeam 1000hp goes back to the US for the first time in a century.”
The Museum’s fundraising will now focus on raising money for further Sunbeam displays in both the US and UK in 2027. Funding will allow the Museum to begin further restoration projects, and deliver educational and community initiatives. You can donate here – it’s much-needed by the museum.
More information on the Sunbeam 1000hp restoration is available here.
