World Land Speed Sunbeam 1000hp to go on display at the Los Angeles’ Peterson Automotive Museum
(Photograph and all words from The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu).
On loan from England’s National Motor Museum, the first vehicle to ever break 200 mph in 1927 will debut this fall at the Petersen Automotive Museum after a complete restoration.
The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, England is announcing a further significant step on the route to restoring and displaying the iconic Sunbeam 1000hp – the first vehicle to exceed 200 mph. The car is to be displayed at the prestigious Petersen Automotive Museum – widely regarded as one of the top rates automotive museum in the World – in the Autumn (or Fall) of 2026.
“Having the Sunbeam 1000hp exhibited in 2026 at the Petersen as part of its USA tour will be a great celebration of the car’s restoration project,” says Jon Murden, the National Motor Museum’s Chief Executive. “This will be the Sunbeam 1000’s first stop after making its post-restoration debut at the 2026 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. Being displayed in Los Angeles gives motoring enthusiast on the west coast of America a once in a lifetime chance to see the car before it then attempts a centennial run at Daytona in the spring of 2027.”
The legendary vehicle is currently being restored at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire, England. The aim of the restoration campaign is to return the British engineering icon to Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2027, marking 100 years since it broke the 200mph Land Speed Record in 1927. The car was driven by Sir Henry Segrave – one of the most famous international motoring heroes of his day. Significant milestones in its restoration have been met including having the colossal 22.4 litre Matabele V12 aero engine roar to life once again – it is hoped that the vehicle’s second engine will be restored in advance of it departing for the USA in the summer.
“Our mission is to provide visitors access to some of the rarest vehicles ever assembled,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “Having the World Land Speed Record-breaking Sunbeam 1000 HP on display perfectly reflects our commitment to showcasing only the extraordinary.”
The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu announced recently it is partnering with CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services) who as its ‘Exclusive Logistics Partner’ will transport the iconic Sunbeam 1000hp to the Petersen Automotive Museum and other venues in the USA.
For more information on the Petersen Automotive Museum, please visit www.petersen.org. For more information on the National Motor Museum, please visit www.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk
About Petersen Automotive Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. The museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, 90036. Admission prices are $21 for general admission adults, $19 for seniors (62+), $13 for youth (12-17) and $12 for children ages 4 to 11. Active military with ID, personal care attendants and children under age four are admitted free. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For general information, call 323-930-CARS or visit www.petersen.org.