'Record-Breaking' Success at Auction

BROCKENHURST, UNITED KINGDOM – February 4, 2010: The National Motor Museum Trust at Beaulieu is delighted to announce a significant addition to its world famous Photographic Collection. Recently purchased at auction, is a photograph album by Richard H. LeSesne depicting Major Henry Segrave breaking the World Land Speed Record in the unique 1000hp Sunbeam car. This was the first vehicle to officially exceed 200mph/321.86kph, a feat achieved at Daytona Beach, Florida on 29th March 1927. The National Motor Museum Trust is grateful to H&H Auctions who kindly supported this purchase, enabling it to be saved for the nation.

The album featuring the 1927 1000hp Sunbeam will complement a later LeSesne photographic account which is already housed in the National Motor Museum Trust’s Collection. The latter depicts Segrave’s World Land Speed Record of 231.362mph/372.33kph, achieved at Daytona on 11th March 1929 driving Golden Arrow.

During the 1920s and 1930s the frontiers of speed and technology were constantly being challenged, and LeSesne specialised in the photography of Land Speed Record attempts at Daytona. His in-depth coverage of these events provides a marvelous insight into the historical achievements at this legendary venue, known as the ‘World’s Most Famous Beach’. The images also show the audiences of these big events, demonstrating the immense public enthusiasm for speed and the quest for national acclaim. The curiosity of those who went to see the record attempt cars as they journeyed to Daytona in distinctive shipping crates is captured along with the anticipation of the enormous crowds that lined the 9 mile beach course to witness the events.

Both record breaking vehicles depicted in the LeSesne albums, the 1927 1000hp Sunbeam and the 1929 Golden Arrow, can be seen in the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu along with other famous World Land Speed Record cars.

Currently being catalogued and preserved, the albums will be available for viewing on-line at www.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk later in 2010