A record breaking car once driven by speed king Sir Malcolm Campbell was fired up for the first time in more than 50 years today.

Staff at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, have spent the past seven years rebuilding the engine of the 1920 Sunbeam that forms part of its collection.

Spectators were handed earplugs to protect against the ear splitting roar made by the iconic car.

Lord Montagu, who bought the vehicle in the late 1950s was among those watching when the engine was started up for the first time since 1962.

Daily Echo:

The peer drove the Sunbeam on its last two public outings.

Sir Malcolm owned the vehicle in the 1920s and set new world land speed records at Pendine Sands in Wales.

He achieved a speed of 146mph in September 1924 and broke his own record at the same venue the following year after travelling at 150mph.

Sir Malcolm sold the famous car to Ralph Aspden in 1925 for just £250.