Land speed record breakers at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu chauffeur car hire
British Land Speed Record Breakers - Speed Kings
The Land Speed Record collection of cars is an amazing testament to the braverey, determination, and technological innovation of these British Speed Kings at Beaulieu's National Motor Museum.
The first Land Speed Record was set by an electric car in 1898. Electric gave way to petrol and then later to jet and rocket power. Follow the remarkable progress of the Land Speed Record as it moves from super-quick to super-sonic, with some very brave men at the wheel.
Sunbeam 350hp - 150.776mph - 1925 - Sir Malcolm Campbell
The aero-engined Land Speed Record car era began with this 350hp V12 Sunbeam. Originally raced round Brooklands in 1920. In 1922 Kenelm Lee Guinness took her to a new World Land Speed Record of 129.171mph (207.88kph) on the Brooklands track. The last time Brooklands was used for a Land Speed record attempt. Sir Malcolm Campbell bought the car off Kenelm, renamed her Bluebird. He then took her to to Pendine Sands in 1924 reaching 146.16mph and in 1925 broke the 150mph milestone with 150.766mph.
1000hp Sunbeam - 203.79mph - 1927 - Henry Seagrave
Henry Seagrave, a 1920s British racing driver took the 1000hp Sunbeam to a new World Record of 203.79mph at Daytona, Florida in March 1927. In his honour, The Segrave Trophy is awarded to the British national who accomplishes the most outstanding demonstration of the possibilities of transport by land, sea, air, or water.
Golden Arrow - 231.44mph - 1929 - Henry Seagrave
Henry Seagrave set a new Land Speed Record of 231.44mph driving the gorgeous Golden Arrow in March 1929 at Daytona Beach. He was the first person to hold both the land and water speed records simultaneously and the first person to travel at over 200 mph (320 km/h).
Bluebird - 403.1mph - 1964 - Donald Campbell
Donald Campbell was driven to win World Land (and Water) Speed Records for Britain, just like his father Sir Malcolm Campbell. Bluebird finally acheived his goal in 1964 when it reached 403.1mph on Lake Eyre, in Australia. CN7 covered the final third of the measured mile at an average of 429 mph, peaking at over 440mph.
Thrust II - 633.468mph - 1983 - Richard Noble
Thrust SSC - 763.035mph - 1987 - Andy Green
Richard Noble took the record back from rocket powered cars with his jet engine propelled Thrust II in 1983. Then in 1987 Andy Green, in the Richard Noble designed Thrust SSC, took the record to 763mph, and was the first man to drive at supersonic speed.
More National Motor Museum highlights
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, James Bond, F1 Cars, Bentley.
Travel to the National Motor Museum in luxury and style
Beaulieu, home of the Montagu family and the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey.
Contact or call us for Free 0800 458 9495 to find out more about the chauffeur driven tours for Beaulieu and the New Forest.
National Motor Museum Beaulieu
Brockenhurst
Hampshire
SO42 7ZN
- New Forest
- The New Forest is a wonderful attraction in Hampshire and home to the famous New Forest ponies.
- Beaulieu
- There is more horsepower than just produced from the ponies in the New Forest. Beaulieu is home to the National Motor Museum as well as the Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey.
- Southampton
- Southampton is one of Britain's most historic ports. It is also a vibrant, modern city and home to many of the world's greatest cruise liners and the Southampton Boat Show.
- Portsmouth
- Portsmouth is the birthplace of Charles Dickens and home to several of the UK's most famous naval icons including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the Mary Rose.