Sunbeam 1000hp Will Return to Daytona Beach in 2027
The record-breaking supercar is set to return for the centenary of its historic 200mph run.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
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The National Motor Museum will bring the historic Sunbeam 1000hp back to Daytona Beach in 2027 to mark 100 years since it first broke the 200mph barrier. Restoration of the vehicle and its massive aero engines is now complete.
Why it matters
Returning the car to its original record-breaking site commemorates a landmark moment in automotive engineering. It highlights the endurance of early 20th-century performance design and the importance of preservation efforts for historical land-speed machines.
The vehicle features two 22.5-litre Matabele V12 aero engines and was originally constructed over a four-month period in Wolverhampton. It reached a record speed of 203.79mph on March 29, 1927.
The players
National Motor Museum
This institution is responsible for the ongoing preservation and restoration of the Sunbeam 1000hp.
Petersen Automotive Museum
Located in Los Angeles, this museum currently serves as the display site for the historic vehicle.
The details
Engineers have successfully restored the car and its dual aero engines to operating condition after extensive work. The vehicle is currently housed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles following its long history from a 1926 build in Wolverhampton.
Timeline
November 11, 1926: The car was built in Wolverhampton.
March 2, 1927: The car was loaded onto the Berengaria liner for transport.
March 29, 1927: The car set a speed record of 203.79mph at Daytona Beach.
2027: The Sunbeam 1000hp will return to Daytona Beach.
Roadmap
The return of the Sunbeam 1000hp underscores the growing trend of preserving iconic land-speed record vehicles as cultural artifacts. This move positions vintage performance engineering as a central pillar of automotive heritage marketing.
Visitors to Daytona Beach can anticipate a rare opportunity to witness a landmark piece of automotive history in operation. Enthusiasts should monitor museum updates regarding public viewing schedules and logistics as the 2027 timeline approaches.
The takeaway
The restoration of the Sunbeam 1000hp demonstrates the enduring value of mechanical engineering heritage. Fans of automotive history should look toward official museum channels for updates as plans for the 2027 commemorative run finalize.
Further reading
For more background on historic speed machines, visit the Performance Vehicles section.
More information
View the Museum restoration and itinerary documentation for additional project details.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Advertiser and Times.
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