On Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September, 22,500 motoring enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond gathered for a weekend of motoring excitement at the Beaulieu International Autojumble. With busy stalls and a friendly, vibrant atmosphere, visitors left with a smile on their face and car boots packed with fantastic finds. This year’s show included a truly special moment as the rear engine of the World Land Speed Record breaker Sunbeam 1000hp was started up in public for the first time in 90 years.
The legendary vehicle is currently being restored at the National Motor Museum, with the ambition to return it to Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2027, marking 100 years since it broke the 200mph Land Speed Record in 1927. Marking a significant milestone in its restoration, autojumble showgoers were the first to witness the colossal 22.5 litre Matabele V12 aero engine roar to life once again.
Chief Executive of the National Motor Museum Dr Jon Murden said: “This remarkable moment celebrates the legacy of the Sunbeam 1000hp and fuels the excitement as we move closer to completing the restoration. Join the National Motor Museum, a registered charity, in raising funds to see this important part of Land Speed Record history restored, displayed and run again. Every contribution counts to help us celebrate this symbol of great British endeavour and engineering.”
Supporters of the Museum can contribute to the restoration with donations, click here.
Watch the Sunbeam 1000HP start up here.
The vibrant event fields were bursting with motoring spares, automobilia, books, bikes and vintage treasure. Both long-time autojumblers and first-time exhibitors came together for the event, reconnecting with old friends, striking deals and sharing their invaluable knowledge. The event was ideal for those tracking down elusive parts for their classic car projects, while many others simply enjoyed a great weekend browsing the bustling stands. There was also some great entertainment in the fields, with classic motor bicycles roller demonstrations taking place throughout the day with exhibitor Mark Walker and live piano throughout the day from Chubb Maxted Glover.
Every year, the Best Stand Award is awarded to the exhibitors whose stand captures the spirit of the International Autojumble. This year’s winner was Edward Day, who arrived at the International Autojumble in his impressive 1943 Bedford QL. He had intended to attend with the vehicle last year, but unfortunately broke down before the event, so he had to come without it. After months of hard work to get it back on the road, he was finally able to showcase it at this year’s event. The original military truck was especially fitting, as this year marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe at the end of World War II. They were presented with a trophy by Lord Montagu, with the trophy kindly donated by Lolly Lee, who provides the trophy for the Award in honour of her late father and avid autojumbler, Terry Lee.
A new feature for this year, the Classic Car Park, showcased classic vehicles of all makes, models and conditions. The varied line up saw everything from a Rover 3.5 to a Ford Granada. A Show Favourite was chosen on both days of the event with Dr Jon Murden presenting trophies to the winners. On Saturday, Jason and his father, Chris, won with their beautifully preserved 1958 Morris Cowley ½ Ton Van. The vehicle has been part of their family for forty years. Chris originally owned it during his time as a mechanic but eventually parted with it, until Jason later brought it back into the family. Sundays winners were Pete and Michelle with their stunning 1965 Alvis TE21, complete with its original 3-litre engine and 5-speed gearbox. With only 352 in existence, Pete spent two years searching for the car, and has now been the proud owner for eight years.
The Bonhams | Cars auction showcased a diverse selection of collectors’ cars and automobilia, ranging from a 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Sport Tourer to a 1976 Maserati Khamsin Coupe and many more. Event-goers were able to admire a selection of classic vehicles displayed in the Arena.
Custom car builder Andy Saunders made a striking return to the show with his latest masterpiece, the Daroo 1/3, a recreation of the legendary Dodge Daroo. Originally unveiled on the 1967 show circuit, the Daroo was hailed as “the car that revolutionised the Hot Rod scene,” before vanishing. Using just six surviving photos, Andy painstakingly rebuilt it from the ground up. Visitors had the rare chance to see the remarkable recreation up close and chat with Andy about bringing this lost icon back to life.
Acclaimed artist, Maxime Xavier, was also at the show, showcasing her latest creation, Spirits of Genius, a beautifully hand-painted Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit. The car features four iconic masterpieces: The Great Wave by Hokusai, The Kiss by Klimt, A Bigger Splash by Hockney, and Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe. The eye-catching motor was an excellent talking point for showgoers, taking a break from treasure hunting to admire the vehicle.
The Automart and Dealermart were packed with stunning motors up for sale, from rugged 4X4s to luxurious classics. Among the marvellous motors on display was even a 1965 mahogany boat for sale. The variety and rarity of the vehicles drew plenty of intrigued visitors and motoring enthusiasts.
Beaulieu’s Spring and International Autojumble will return in 2026, with provisional dates set as 16th and 17th May for Spring Autojumble and 12th and 13th September for the International Autojumble. There’s still plenty to look forward to in the 2025 events calendar at Beaulieu. Coming up on 14th September is Simply French, followed by Simply Audi on 20th September and Simply BMW on 21st September. Don’t miss brand-new event VauxALL South on 27th September, then Simply Italian takes place on 28th September and Simply Smart on 9th November.