Grandad breaks speed record in garden shed that can almost double national speed limit

Flying down a race track in England, picking up speed and handling turns like a pro, it’s a…  building?

That’s right, folks, we have a new record holder for one of the most unique Guinness World Records building challenges yet – the creator of the fastest garden shed.

Brian Cade (UK) took over the title held by Kevin Nicks (UK) since 2019, by building a wheeled contraption in the shape of a garden shed that can race down the roads faster than your grandma’s old Camry. 

His “car” can reach top speeds of 123.43 mph (198.65 km/h), so if you have a last minute plant emergency or a hare in your hedges, you know just who to call.

Brian, a self-described 'petrol head',  said he was inspired to take on the record after a lifetime of watching the show Record Breakers on TV, which featured new and exciting world record attempts for tasks like marathons while hopping on one leg or the longest-living pets.

“I always had the idea to do a record attempt,” he said to The Sun. “I thought, ‘What can I do?’ I’m a builder and love classic cars, so let’s put the two together.”

The 61-year-old grandfather built the mechanical part of the car with a TVR chassis with a 4.5 litre V8 engine.

He then created a wooden exterior with metal supports that he assembled to look like a typical garden shed – but instead of finding rakes or watering cans, you can spot a steering wheel, seating, and controls!

Read more stories about cool contraptions and fast vehicles in our Science and Technology section!

And on 11 October, David brought his shed down to Elvington Airfield in York to officially time his top speed with the help of Straightliners motorsports.

Also present were his biggest fans – his family – who cheered him on from the sidelines. He told The Sun: “My grandchildren love it. My youngest grandchild is only two and on the race video you can hear her saying ‘Go grandad’.”

Inspired by their love, and fuelled by record-breaking desire, Brian sped into the record books at 123.43 mph (198.65 km/h)!

But the new record holder isn’t done just yet, and says he plans to make his shed faster (and street legal) in the future. 

One of the pages of Brian's book

He also immortalized his experience in a children’s book The Pig Escapade: And Ed, the World’s Fastest Shed, which delves more in-depth into the speedy shed’s incredible origins. A portion of the proceeds are donated to Reach Charity, which supports those with upper limb differences.

So congratulations to Brian, and “Ed” the fastest shed – you are Officially Amazing!