Sunbeam 1000hp Will Return to Daytona Beach in 2027
The record-breaking vehicle will make a commemorative run on March 29, 2027, to mark its historic 200mph feat.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
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The National Motor Museum is bringing the legendary Sunbeam 1000hp car back to Daytona Beach for a centenary run on March 29, 2027. This appearance celebrates the 100th anniversary of Sir Henry Segrave becoming the first person to drive a car over 200mph.
Why it matters
The vehicle represents a significant milestone in automotive engineering history, proving the viability of massive aero engines in land-speed racing. Its return offers enthusiasts a rare look at the technology that pushed speed boundaries a century ago.
The vehicle features two 22.5-litre Matabele V12 aero engines restored to working order. This follows a three-year project by the National Motor Museum to revive the car, which had not been started in public for over 95 years.
The players
National Motor Museum
An organization dedicated to the preservation of automotive heritage that completed the restoration of the Sunbeam 1000hp.
Sir Henry Segrave
The pioneering driver who set the world land speed record at Daytona in 1927.
Petersen Automotive Museum
A major automotive institution in Los Angeles currently housing the Sunbeam 1000hp.
The details
The engineering team at the National Motor Museum meticulously restored the two 22.5-litre Matabele V12 aero engines to bring the vehicle back to operational status. By successfully firing the engines during a recent appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the team proved the car's readiness for the upcoming high-speed centenary demonstration. The restoration project required three years of intensive technical work to return the historic machine to its original, functional condition.
Timeline
March 29, 1927: Sir Henry Segrave initially drove the car above 200mph at Daytona.
March 29, 2027: The Sunbeam 1000hp will make its centenary run at Daytona Beach.
The Home Front
This restoration marks a rare instance of a high-performance historical vehicle being returned to a functional state for a public exhibition. It reflects a broader trend of automotive museums investing in the preservation of mechanical heritage beyond static display.
If you are a car enthusiast interested in local historical exhibitions, monitor the National Motor Museum for updates on ticketed event access for the 2027 run. This serves as a reminder to check your own home archives for any early 20th-century automotive documentation or memorabilia.
The takeaway
The return of this vehicle highlights the enduring cultural impact of early 20th-century mechanical innovation. Enthusiasts can track the progress of the car through the National Motor Museum in the lead-up to the 2027 anniversary date.
What happens next
The Sunbeam 1000hp is scheduled for a public centenary run at Daytona Beach on March 29, 2027.
Further reading
For more coverage on vintage engineering and track events, visit the Performance Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Southern Daily Echo.
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