National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

 

Housing a collection of over 250 automobiles and motorcycles telling the story of motoring on the roads of Britain from the dawn of motoring to the present day, the award winning National Motor Museum appeals to all age groups. From World Land Speed Record Breakers including Campbell’s famous Bluebird to film favourites such as the magical flying car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  Don’t miss exciting extra features such as the Motorsport Gallery, Wheels and Jack Tucker's Garage.

Home to the Sunbeam 350hp Bluebird, Sunbeam Tiger, Sunbeam 1000hp and Golden Arrow

 
 
 
 

FOR BRITAIN & FOR THE HELL OF IT - THE STORY OF BRITISH LAND SPEED RECORDS – New multi-media display

The Quest to be The Fastest on Earth

Experience the triumph of British Land Speed Record attempts in an inspiring new multi-media display.

Beaulieu’s iconic Land Speed Record cars are redisplayed to tell a story of British pluck, technological mastery and national pride.

In a year that sees the 85th Anniversary of Henry Segrave’s record in Golden Arrowand the 50th Anniversary of Donald Campbell’s Bluebird CN7 record, the story of the men behind the motors is told for the first time with artefacts never before seen on public display. 

From the first official Land Speed Record in 1898 to the modern supersonic era; engineers and drivers have strived to push back technological barriers in the quest to be the fastest on earth. Some have paid the ultimate price.

This quintessentially British story is brought to life in a moving audio-visual presentation, transporting you back to a golden age of invention, courage and patriotism and introducing you to those who are keeping Britain’s record breaking dream alive today. 

Why do they do it? In the words of former British land speed record holder Richard Noble; “For Britain and for the hell of it!”

 

Wednesday 29th January 2014

Visitors to Beaulieu on Wednesday 29th January will be able to witness Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed Record Breaker, the Sunbeam 350hp, starting up for the first time in over 50 years.

The Sunbeam 350hp set a land speed record of 146.16mph/235.226kph in 1924 at Pendine Sands and was last heard publicly in 1962, when Lord Montagu drove the vehicle around three laps of the track at Goodwood. 

In recent years, the National Motor Museum workshop team and volunteers have worked tirelessly on a complete mechanical rebuild of the engine, enlisting the help of the Sunbeam Talbot Darracq Register to find parts, specialist services and skills to undertake the rebuild. 

The start up will be taking place at midday outside the museum entrance. Visitors are welcome to watch as this iconic motor is fired up, but please be warned – it will make quite a noise!

Firing up after over fifty years and a long restoration.
 
Pictured is part of last years temporary display which featured Sir Malcolm Campbell's 1935 Blue Bird, now returned to Daytona. Image by and copyright of Ken Smith.

50 years of James Bond – ‘Bond in Motion’ in the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

Special agent 007 is celebrating his fiftieth birthday for his film series this year. And with the upcoming Bond film ‘Skyfall’, this exhibition is even more exciting. The National Motor Museum is displaying all the vehicles Mr. Bond has ever used to save the day from the bad guys who were threatening to take over the world. This might be your only chance to see all the Bond vehicles displayed together, so if you are a true Bond-fan, definitely check it out.

If you want to make your Bond-evening complete, the Beaulieu also offers a real secret agent experience by organising a ‘Drinks Reception and Canapés Evening’ and a ‘Dinner and Casino Evening’. Have a ‘shaken, not stirred Martini’ while you wander off looking at the beautiful and legendary Aston Martin cars driven by James Bond. Or enjoy a poker game in Bond-style.

An Aston Martin DB5 from the 1995 film "GoldenEye."
Fomer Bond girl Maryam d'Abo poses for photographs with a Rolls-Royce Phantom III used in the 1964 film "Goldfinger."
Wendy Leech poses with the BMW motorcycle she drove in the 1997 film "Tomorrow Never Dies."
Ben Collins, stunt driver for actor Daniel Craig, poses with the Aston Martin DBS from the 2008 film "Quantum of Solace."
A woman poses with Wet Nellie an amphibious Lotus Esprit S1 from the 1977 film "The Spy Who Loved Me."
Heavily armed Jaguar XKR from the 2002 James Bond film "Die Another Day"

National Motor Museum, John Montagu Bldg, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7ZN, United Kingdom