The restoration of a car that set a new world land speed record nearly a century ago is about to enter a crucial phase at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. The Sunbeam 1000hp, a striking red vehicle that achieved over 203 mph on Daytona Beach in 1927, is undergoing an extensive restoration process, with engineers preparing to rebuild its rear engine.
Over the past eighteen months, the museum’s engineering team has meticulously dismantled parts of the Sunbeam 1000hp. This vehicle, renowned for its dual 22.5-litre engines, has presented a range of challenges due to the sheer scale of the work involved. Described as a “forensic” endeavour by the museum, the restoration has involved painstaking attention to detail, with each component carefully removed, labelled, and stored in preparation for reassembly.
A museum spokesperson highlighted the challenges posed by the absence of original manuals or documentation. The restoration team has had to rely on rare historical photographs to guide their efforts, making the process both intricate and demanding. The spokesperson explained that every bolt and part removed has been methodically catalogued to ensure accuracy during the rebuild.
The museum’s senior engineer noted that the restoration has revealed the exceptional quality of the original workmanship, though accessing and repairing certain parts has proven difficult. Testing uncovered cracks in the engine’s crankcase, which have been repaired using modern laser welding techniques, a testament to the team’s commitment to preserving the vehicle’s structural integrity.
One of the most significant hurdles encountered was the air starter mechanism, a critical component of the Sunbeam 1000hp. With many parts missing, the team has had to fabricate replacements, a process that has required both ingenuity and precision. The restoration team views their work on this historic vehicle as a rare opportunity, emphasising the importance of addressing any issues they uncover to ensure the car’s longevity. As lubricants and oils age, they can solidify and bind engine parts together, further complicating the restoration process if left untreated.
The scale of the Sunbeam 1000hp’s engines is considerable, necessitating the use of a forklift to remove them from the chassis. A plaque previously attached to the front engine, indicating that a vital part of the mechanism had been removed, highlights the challenges faced by the team in restoring the vehicle to working order.
Currently, the exposed chassis and the engine of the Sunbeam 1000hp are on display for visitors to the museum, offering a unique glimpse into this extraordinary restoration project. The engineering team plans to test the rear engine before reinstalling it into the chassis. Once this phase is complete, attention will turn to restoring the front engine, continuing the comprehensive effort to bring this historic car back to life.
The restoration of the Sunbeam 1000hp is an expensive undertaking, with an estimated £300,000 needed to see the project through to completion. To support these efforts, a restoration campaign has been launched in collaboration with a Hampshire-based automotive company. These funds are essential to ensure that the vehicle is not only restored but preserved as a vital piece of automotive history.
As the project progresses, the National Motor Museum remains dedicated to maintaining the historical accuracy of the Sunbeam 1000hp. The challenges encountered during the restoration underscore the complexity of preserving such an iconic vehicle, yet the engineering team is determined to overcome these obstacles. With the rear engine’s restoration nearing its final stages, and plans in place to begin work on the front engine, the museum is well on its way to reviving this record-breaking car.
In summary, the ongoing restoration of the Sunbeam 1000hp at Beaulieu represents a significant effort to preserve an important chapter in automotive history. The meticulous work of the engineering team, supported by the restoration campaign, will ensure that this legendary vehicle continues to inspire for generations to come. As the project moves forward, the National Motor Museum remains committed to showcasing the innovation and craftsmanship that characterised the early days of motor racing.
