Senior Engineer Ian Stanfield and the workshop team at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, have been shortlisted as finalists in the prestigious Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards 2026. The team has been recognised for its remarkable achievement in bringing World Land Speed Record breaker Sunbeam 1000hp back to life after a complete restoration of the car and its two huge 22.5 litre Matabele V12 aero engines.
The project has been a labour of love over the last three years, with nearly a decade of preparatory work beforehand and no manuals or documentation to help. The team’s knowledge and expertise were put to the test to complete the restoration through hard work, ingenuity and dedication, with support from collaboration partners and supporters.
The winner of the Personal Endeavour category of the Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards will be announced at a celebratory dinner at Pall Mall on November 19.
Ian will also follow in the footsteps of Sir Henry Segrave when he takes the honour of driving the Sunbeam, affectionately known as The Slug, along the beach at Daytona for the 100th anniversary of breaking the 200mph barrier there in March 2027.
Ian said: “It will be a privilege to be behind the wheel at Daytona Beach, especially as the only other recorded driver of the car was Sir Henry Segrave when he set the World Land Speed Record. It would mean the world to me to win this award, as not everyone gets to work on such a unique car and we are so proud of what we achieved with our workshop team and volunteers.”
The Sunbeam 1000hp has also been shortlisted for two further honours in the International Historic Motoring Awards 2026. The Restoration of the Year award will be decided by an expert panel, while Car of the Year is chosen by public vote, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony at The Peninsula London on November 13.
The challenges faced in the Sunbeam restoration were immense, as engineers encountered more problems than expected while stripping down both engines and needing to source replacement parts which maintained the car’s historical integrity. Getting its completion over the line on time has been a testament to the team’s vision, determination and engineering excellence.
The Sunbeam 1000hp is now on show at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles after making a star appearance at the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
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.
As an Amazon Associate I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Be the first to comment