The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has been shortlisted for Restoration of the Year at the 2026 International Historic Motoring Awards, recognising its workshop team’s expert restoration of the revolutionary Sunbeam 1000hp World Land Speed Record car and its contribution to the preservation of motoring heritage.
The restoration project has taken over three years, with many additional years of preparatory work. With no manuals or documentation to help, the Beaulieu workshop team led by Senior Engineer Ian Stanfield found more problems than expected while dismantling the front engine, one of the Sunbeam’s two colossal 22.5 litre Matabele V12 aero engines, and extensive work was carried out both on and off-site to repair the original parts. Collaboration partners and supporters worked extensively with the Museum to get the project over the line.
“I’m so proud of this achievement and the Museum workshop team,” said National Motor Museum Chief Executive Jon Murden. “I’m delighted that Ian Stanfield and his team’s expertise and perseverance secured this restoration. We are thrilled to be recognised by the International Historic Motoring Awards.” Being shortlisted among such an esteemed group of nominees, he added, is an honour that reflects the hard work and passion of the museum team.
The Sunbeam 1000hp has also made the shortlist for International Historic Motoring Awards Car of the Year, with the winner decided by public vote. Votes can be added on the Magneto magazine website. The award winners will be revealed at a ceremony on 13 November 2026 at The Peninsula London hotel, where leading figures from the international motoring world will gather to celebrate outstanding contributions to the preservation and enjoyment of motoring history.
The Sunbeam 1000hp was the first car to achieve a land speed record of 200 mph, Harry Segrave recording a speed of 203.79 mph on the smooth sands of Daytona Beach on 29 March 1927 with two of the marque’s powerful aero engines placed fore and aft. Following its post-restoration debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this summer, the Sunbeam is now on show at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. 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 200 mph record.
Source: National Motor Museum. To follow the Sunbeam’s itinerary in the USA, its history and restoration, see nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/sunbeam1000hp.
Abby is Just British's site assistant. She was last seen idling at a hill climb, smelling faintly of hot oil and Earl Grey. Her sources are impeccable. Her origins are classified.
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