A record breaking classic car that has been out of public view since 2007 is to return to the beach where it entered the record books exactly ninety years will return this Wednesday (March 16).
In March 1926, Sir Henry Segrave drove his Sunbeam Tiger on Southport beach, reaching a top speed of 152.33mph.
The contemporary and racing rival of Sir Malcolm Campbell captured the world record and became the fastest man on earth.
To commemorate the occasion, his record-breaking 4.0-litre car will return to the resort for the first time.
The bright red supercar will complete a triumphant sprint along the beach tomorrow morning (March 16), some 90 years to the day after the world record was achieved.
And it will be joined on the sands by at least 20 vehicles driven by members of the Sunbeam Talbot Darracq Register vintage car club. All were built before 1935.
A vintage motorcade will then wend its way through the town, before parking up outside museum and cultural centre The Atkinson.
Segrave’s ‘Tiger’ will there be joined by a Sunbeam Cub, a 1924 racing car with a smaller 2.0-litre engine, which was also driven by Segrave. The historic pair will be reunited for one week only and will be on display in the foyer of The Atkinson from Saturday, March 12 – Sunday, March 20, as part of the Festival of Speed.
The weeks event, organised by The Atkinson and with partners including the Ainsdale Circuit Club, celebrates Southport’s pivotal role in racing history.
Other events at The Atkinson include an interactive Meet Sir Henry Segrave performance, car-themed arts activities for children, racing and 1920s-themed film screenings, a vintage fair (Saturday March 12, 11am-4pm) and a period murder mystery (Saturday, March 12, 7.30pm).
Segrave artefacts and memorabilia, including many exclusive loan items, will be on display at The Atkinson throughout the festival week.
Tickets are available online at theatkinson.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01704 533333. They are also available over the counter during The Atkinson opening hours.
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