Sunbeam 1000 HP 1926

1,115
Uruguay
Rivera
Tsukishima-TDUDT
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Sunbeam 1000 HP '26
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Built to break the land speed record and powered by two aircraft engines, the Sunbeam 1000 HP Mystery, or "The Slug", was the first car to travel at over 320 Km/h.

The car was designed by Jack Irving, having new features such as all-enveloping bodywork that assisted aerodynamics. The car also had specially-made tyres capable of withstanding 200 mph, although only rated for 3½ minutes at these speeds.

The engines were a pair of Sunbeam Matabele 22.4 litre aircraft engines, previously used in a powerboat. Although best known as the "1000 HP" car, its actual power was closer to 900 hp (670 kW). One engine was mounted ahead of the driver, one behind. The rear engine was started first by compressed air, then the front engine was started through a mechanical friction clutch. Once synchronised, they were locked together with a dog clutch for the record attempt.

The Sunbeam 1000 HP was the first non-American car to run on Daytona Beach for a land speed record attempt. On 29 March 1927 Henry Segrave drove the car to a new land speed record of 327.97 kilometers per hour (203.79 MPH), the first car to reach a speed over 320 Km/h (200 MPH).

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