THEY were made to honour Sir Malcolm Campbell and one of the record-breaking vehicles that made him famous.

The limited-edition cuff-links depict the legendary driver and the Sunbeam car that set a new land speed record of 150mph at Pendine Sands in Wales in 1925.

But the precious items have been stolen from a display cabinet at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

The theft took place on Monday, July 20, the day before the 350hp car returned to Pendine Sands to celebrate the 90th anniversary of its greatest triumph.

The cufflinks, hand-made using metal from the vehicle, were taken from a display cabinet in the gift shop.

Detectives have released CCTV images of two men they want to question about the £3,500 theft.

Police initially said the cuff-links were made with metal from one of the Bluebird craft driven by Sir Malcolm’s son Donald, killed in a crash on Coniston Water in the Lake District in 1967.

Later they confirmed that the vehicle involved was the Sunbeam, which has been on display at Beaulieu for many years.

A museum spokesman said the cuff-links were produced using parts of a damaged piston that was removed from the car in the 1990s.

The distinctive 22ft vehicle was the brainchild of Sunbeam’s chief engineer, Louis Coatalen, and was built at the company’s Wolverhampton works shortly after the First World War.

Earlier this year its engine was fired up for the first time in more than half a century following a major restoration project by engineers at the museum.

The Sunbeam made a low-speed run along Pendine Sands last Tuesday with Sir Malcolm’s grandson, Don Wales, at the controls.

Speaking on the day, he said: “Beaulieu have spent a huge amount of time restoring this magnificent machine and to be allowed to drive it, as my grandfather did on the day, is a great honour.”

Hundreds of people turned out to watch Mr Wales recreate a special moment in motoring history.

He said: “My grandfather had a huge crowd like this watching his land speed record and to see so many people turn up here today, 90 years later, is a testament to what a great man he was.”

No details of how the cuff-links were stolen from the display cabinet have been released.

Call Hampshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.