World land-speed record breaking Sunbeam 1000bhp on exclusive display at The British Motor Show

This year, the British Motor Show is bringing you an exclusive first look at the 1927 Sunbeam 1000hp record breaking car ahead it’s return to Dayton Beach in 2027, to revisit the scene of its famous 1927 land speed record attempt.

Affectionately know as ‘The Slug’ this world record breaking car will be on display courtesy of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu and Brookspeed as they start a full restoration ahead of an attempt to recreate the record in 2027.

Designed and built solely to break the 200mph barrier, the Coventry built Sunbeam was once the fastest car in the world. In 1927, with thousands of spectators gathered in the sand dunes at Daytona to watch Major Segrave set a new world record by driving the car at an average speed of 203.79mph. Strong winds on the first outward run caused the car to skid violently, forcing him to drive into the sea to slow down, but he was still able to make the return journey and set the new record.

The Sunbeam’s two 22.5 litre engines, which each produced 435bhp, have not run for over half a century after corrosion attacked internal workings. With a painstaking rebuild, using specialist knowledge and bespoke parts, National Motor Museum engineers will recapture the sounds, sights and smells of this ground-breaking machine and help to preserve it for future generations.

Working together with Hampshire-based Brookspeed Automotive, the campaign aims to raise £300k to complete the restoration and take ‘The Slug’ back to Daytona Beach in Florida for the 100th anniversary of the record-breaking run, in 2027.

The British Motor Show will see the Sunbeam make its first appearance as it embarks on a tour of motoring events throughout the UK and Europe, as well as a tour of motoring museums across America.

Speaking to the British Motor Show Martin Braybrook, owner of Brookspeed told us:

“As a Beaulieu100 club member I am an avid supporter of everything they are doing at the National Motor Museum. They are keeping the history of motoring alive with projects like the Sunbeam 1000hp re-commissioning/restoration. I happened to overhear a conversation by the staff that they would love to return the car to Daytona Beach USA for the centenary of the 200mph record. My race team Brookspeed have sent cars all over the world including Daytona for the 24hr race, so I thought I could transfer those skills and offer to help. Raising funds and helping with the logistics to return the Sunbeam to its record-breaking home. It’s an incredibly exciting project”

So for your chance to be one of the first people to see this incredible piece of motor history as it’s brought back to life, and speak to the experts making it happen, make sure you visit the Brookspeed stand at this year’s show.