Sunbeam 1000hp restoration
sunbeam ‘Slug’ Restoration Campaign
Castrol Classic Oils are delighted to be supporting our friends from the National Motor Museum and their Sunbeam 1000hp Restoration Campaign. The restoration project aims to recommission Sir Henry Segrave’s Sunbeam Slug - the first car to break the 200mph barrier - and return to Daytona Beach in 2027 for the 100 year anniversary of Sir Henry’s achievement.
Working together with Brookspeed Automotive, the campaign aims to breathe new life into the Sunbeam’s two 22.5 litre aero engines to allow the car to run again. Expert restoration will be carried out in front of visitors at the National Motor Museum, with opportunities for STEM workshops and activities.
The car itself was on display at the 2023 Classic Motor Show, alongside Sir Malcolm Campbell’s legendary Sunbeam 350hp Blue Bird. Castrol was the lubrication of choice for these pioneering vehicles, with Charles Wakefield providing sponsorship and support to the drivers. And if you too want to support the Slug, or would like to find out about the educational opportunities for your school, college or university, then visit the National Motor Museum website to find out how you can be involved with the project. You too can be a part of something extraordinary - support the Slug!
Sir Henry Segrave:
Sir Henry O’Neil de Hane Segrave was born on the 22nd September 1896. He was the first person to travel at over 200mph on land, and the first to hold both land and water speed records simultaneously.
Having served in both the infantry and Royal Flying Corps in WWI, Segrave went on to join the Sunbeam company after the war. He was Britain’s top motor racing driver of his era, and the first Briton to win a Grand Prix in a British car, winning the French and Spanish Grand Prix’s in a Sunbeam.
With backing from Lord Wakefield of Castrol, Sir Henry set three land speed records before turning his attention to the water.
Segrave’s Records:
Segrave’s first record came on 21st March 1926 driving his 4 litre Sunbeam Tiger, Ladybird, to 152.33mph at Southport, England. His record was broken just over a month later.
On 29th March 1927, he regained the record at Daytona Beach in his 1000hp Sunbeam Mystery - also known as The Slug. The record now stood at 203.79mph, with Segrave reaching 207mph on one leg of the course.
Segrave’s final land speed record came on 11th March 1929, again at Daytona Beach. Driving the Golden Arrow he achieved a speed of 231.45mph.
On 13th June 1930 at Windermere, Segrave took the water speed record in Miss England II, averaging 98.76mph over the two runs. Segrave then tore back up the measured mile for a third time when tragedy struck and the boat overturned at high speed. He was pulled from the water, but died about three hours later.
