Celebrating a centenary of speed
The centenary of the last time a World Land Speed Record was achieved on a closed circuit will be celebrated with an event at Brooklands Museum, which will see a record-breaking Sunbeam return to the circuit to race a steam train.
Kenelm Lee Guinness drove the 350hp Sunbeam to a World Land Speed Record of 133.75mph at Brooklands circuit on 17 May 1922 – all future World Land Speed Records would be set on open straights. A famous F Gordon Crosby painting depicted the event, with the 350hp depicted overtaking a steam train on the railway adjacent to the circuit. This painting will be re-created on 17 May 2022, as one of the remaining sections of the Brooklands Circuit still runs parallel to an active railway line.
A 1948 B1 Class Locomotive has been booked to take the place of the steam train for the recreation and will carry passengers on a return journey from West Brompton in London. Passengers will be served breakfast, take part in the re-creation and then be dropped off at Woking station to be driven to Brooklands for the day’s other events.
As well as the 350hp Sunbeam, which the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu restored, other aero-engined monsters will be on show, including the ‘Beast of Turin’ and the Napier Railton. A group of Sunbeam Grand Prix cars will also be on display, and all will take part in a parade on the finishing straight. National Transport Trust chairman, Stuart Wilkinson, told Classic Car Weekly: ‘The National Transport Trust is very pleased to have been able to play a role in bringing about this very important celebration.
‘We’re very grateful for the support of so many people and organisations. We’re looking forward to what will be a very special day.’