The impressive 1,000hp Sunbeam was one of the first purpose-built Land Speed Record cars and the first to reach 200mph. The record attempt took place on March 29th 1927, with 30,000 spectators watching from the nearby sand dunes. During the first of the two runs the wind caused the car to swerve and skid violently with Segrave having to drive the car into the sea to slow it down. The speeds achieved were 200.668mph and 207.015mph giving an average speed of 203.792mph and a new Land Speed Record.
