The Museum tells us…
(All words and photographs from the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu).
The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, England is partnering with CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services) company which will become its ‘Exclusive Logistics Partner’ in the USA to transport and display the iconic Sunbeam 1000hp – the first vehicle to exceed 200 mph – when it arrives in America in the summer of 2026.
“We are delighted to partner with logistics company CARS who are supporting the USA tour of the soon to be restored Sunbeam 1000hp,” says Jon Murden, the National Motor Museum’s Chief Executive. “The Sunbeam 1000’s restoration debut is at the 2026 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. We will soon be able to announce where the car will be transported by CARS and displayed subsequently before its centennial run at Daytona in the spring of 2027.”
James Walker, Managing Director of CARS, says, “Working with historically important vehicles is a responsibility we never take lightly. For over 30 years we have specialised in moving some of the world’s most iconic motorcars, supporting museums, collectors and institutions who trust us with cars that simply cannot be replaced. The Sunbeam 1000hp is a landmark piece of motoring history, and we are honoured to play a part in bringing it to audiences in the United States.”
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.
About the National Motor Museum
- The National Motor Museum Trust Limited is a charitable organisation founded in 1972, which runs the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in the New Forest. Continuing the work of the flagship Montagu Motor Museum, the Trust has a world-famous collection of 280 vehicles and associated motoring items, which are on display in the National Motor Museum.
- The National Motor Museum is an Accredited Museum and all its collections have been designated by Arts Council England as being of national and international importance. Its internationally-acclaimed collection of more than 1.9 million items is cared for by the National Motor Museum Trust and includes historically important motoring artefacts, film footage, images, documents and books.
- The nearby Collections Centre houses and cares for a vast array of motoring artefacts, photographic images, specialist reference library and film and video library. For more information about its collection and services see www.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk
- Visitors to Beaulieu can enjoy a full day out with features including the ancestral Montagu home Palace House, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, adventure play area Little Beaulieu, and grounds and gardens. Tickets can be bought in advance. For tickets or more information, see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.
- A full calendar of events and exhibitions is held at Beaulieu by the National Motor Museum, including Collection Centre Open Days, Classic Grille Evenings, Meet the Curator events and Transport Torques. Details are available at www.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/events
- Work has started on ambitious plans to upgrade facilities and open up even more of its collections to visitors.