'I built a 50mph wheelbarrow that's the fastest in the world'

A mechanic has built the fastest wheelbarrow in the world in his garage. Dylan Phillips has modified the wheelbarrow to fit an engine and a sled so it can hit a top speed of more than 50mph.

After two years of tinkering, Phillips, 38, has claimed a spot in the Guinness World Records after the wheelbarrow reached an average of 52.58mph and a high of 56.82mph. The previous record, held by Kevin Nicks, was 44.6mph.

“It was just a bit of fun to start off with really,” Philipps told WalesOnline. “I had a bit of an idea and built it and then after a bit of testing the question was asked by a couple of friends of mine whether there was a chance of a record.

"At that point all I’d done was but a scooter engine on the front and a little sled on the back. But I found out there was actually a land speed recorded for a wheelbarrow, so I began evolving it and testing it and it emerged in my mind that there was a genuine chance. It’s so fast I have to wear full leathers while riding it, with a back protector, a helmet, gloves and boots.”

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He’s been blown away by how popular the wheelbarrow has become. At motoring events he visits around the UK he says it’s one of the most popular vehicles on show despite being surrounded by sports cars and the like. “People love it, they’re always coming up to me and chatting away about it.

"If I take it out to a show I do tend to get a lot of attention. I’ve built a few custom motorbikes before but this has got the most attention. I’m just a bit of an idiot who loves to do weird things with stuff I’ve collected basically.”

Phillips built the machine in his shed in Crymych, Pembrokeshire, and claimed the record at the Straightliners Speed Week in Elvington, Yorkshire, in May. The record was confirmed by Guinness this week. “It’s been strange," Phillips added. “I’ve had a few people getting in touch and I’m going to be at the Prescott Bike Festival to do a bit of a show and tell which should be good. It has sparked some more ideas in my mind. I’m not completely sure what I’ll do next, but we’ll see where things take me.”