Beaulieu: Markings made in 1927 found on 'first 200mph' car

The Sunbeam, which is being rebuilt at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, is due to return to Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2027 to mark the 100th anniversary of its record-breaking run.

A specialist technique known as soda blasting has been used to remove rust, loose paint, and dirt from the chassis.

The process led to the discovery of markings made by the original mechanics when the record-breaking car was made almost a century ago.

Marking made by mechanics in 1927 have been found on the chassis of the Sunbeam (Image: National Motor Museum, Beaulieu)

Doug Hill, the museum's manager and chief engineer, said: "Soda blasting is not as aggressive as shot blasting and was therefore the best way to remove the worst of the detritus.

"It exposed markings which would have been made at the Sunbeam works in Wolverhampton in 1927.

"We are now stress testing various areas before clear coating the chassis with Trimite paint to preserve and encapsulate as much of its history as possible. This work will preserve the car for another 100 years."

READ MORE: Plan to mark centenary of record-breaking run by Sunbeam at Daytona Breach, Florida, in 1927

A laser will be used to remove rust from the axles and unpainted parts of the metalwork.

The Sunbeam’s two 22.5 litre engines, which each produced 435bhp, have not run since before the Second World War as a result of corrosion attacking the internal workings.

Markings made by mechanics in 1927 have been found on the chassis of the Sunbeam (Image: National Motor Museum, Beaulieu)

Engineers at the museum are working alongside staff from Hampshire-based Automotive.

A museum spokesperson said: "Engineers will recapture the sounds, sights, and smells of this ground-breaking machine and help to preserve it for future generations."

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The 25ft vehicle was built by the Sunbeam Car Company for the sole purpose of exceeding 200mph.

The bright red car weighed more than three tons but its streamlined bodywork earned it the nickname The Slug, an iconic title given its speed and power.

The Sunbeam set a new land speed record at Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1927, with Major Henry Segrave at the wheel (Image: National Motor Museum, Beaulieu)

On March 29, 1927, the Eton-educated Major Henry Segrave raised the world land speed record to 203.79mph in front of about 30,000 spectators.

Strong winds on the first outward run caused the Sunbeam to skid violently. Major Segrave drove into the sea to slow down but went on to make history later that day.

Three years later he was killed during an attempt to set a new water speed record.

Sunbeam was loaned to what was then the Montagu Motor Museum in 1958 before being bought by Edward, Lord Montagu in 1970.

As reported in the Daily Echo, a campaign has been launched to raise the £300,000 needed to fund the vehicle's restoration.

Donations can be made online. Sponsors and corporate donors who want to help can email michelle.kirwan@beaulieu.co.uk.