The automotive world is full of engineering marvels that push the boundaries of what’s possible on four wheels (and sometimes beyond).
We’ve compiled this list of the most impressive record-breaking cars ever created. From vehicles stretching longer than a bowling lane to cars that can navigate both roads and ocean depths, these mechanical wonders demonstrate human ingenuity at its finest.
Whether you’re a dedicated petrolhead or simply curious about automotive extremes, join us as we explore these remarkable achievements in vehicular design and engineering.
1. World’s Longest Drivable Car
The “American Dream” limousine currently holds the Guinness World Record for the longest car in the world, measuring an astonishing 30.5m (100ft) from bumper to bumper.
Originally built in 1986 by renowned car customiser Jay Ohrberg, this impressive vehicle was fully restored in 2022 after years of neglect. The super-limousine features 26 wheels, a helipad, swimming pool with diving board, jacuzzi, and even a king-sized waterbed.
To our surprise, the American Dream is fully drivable, though navigating tight corners requires exceptional skill – the turning circle is comparable to that of a small ship rather than a conventional car!
2. World’s Smallest Drivable Car
At the opposite end of the spectrum sits the remarkable Peel P50, officially recognised as the world’s smallest production car.
Manufactured on the Isle of Man in the early 1960s, this tiny marvel measures just 134cm in length and 98cm in width. With only one door, one headlight, and no reverse gear (you physically lift the back end to turn it around), the P50 weighs a mere 59kg – lighter than many adult humans!
Despite its diminutive dimensions, this microcar can reach speeds of up to 35mph and is fully road-legal in many countries. Original P50s now fetch astronomical prices at auction, though modern replicas are available for enthusiasts seeking an ultra-compact driving experience.
The high auction price is a result of only 50 of these being made, with only 27 still existing at the time of writing. A staggering £122,000 is the highest price tag for one of these cars, with the latest price being £111,000, sold in 2022.
3. World’s Largest Drivable Car
The BelAZ 75710, built in Belarus, holds the record for the world’s largest and heaviest drivable car.
This colossal mining dump truck stands 8.16m tall, 20.6m long, and 9.87m wide. With a maximum payload capacity of 450 tonnes, the BelAZ 75710 weighs an astonishing 360 tonnes when empty – equivalent to approximately 200 family cars!
Powered by two 16-cylinder diesel engines producing a combined 13,000 horsepower, this behemoth requires special roads to accommodate its enormous weight and size.
In contrast to its gargantuan proportions, the BelAZ is surprisingly nimble for its size, capable of reaching speeds of up to 40mph when fully loaded.
4. The Car with the Highest Mileage
Irv Gordon’s 1966 Volvo P1800S holds the world record for the highest mileage ever recorded on a non-commercial vehicle.
Before his passing in 2018, Gordon had driven his beloved Volvo over 3.2 million miles (5.15 million kilometres) – equivalent to driving to the moon and back nearly seven times!
Newly purchased on June 30, 1966, the car achieved this remarkable feat through meticulous maintenance, with Gordon following the manufacturer’s specifications to the letter and using only genuine Volvo parts.
The achievement stands as a testament to both Volvo’s engineering excellence and Gordon’s exceptional care for his vehicle, which still retained its original engine despite the astronomical mileage.
5. Most People in a Mini
In an extraordinary display of human tetris, during the London to Brighton Mini Run, Dami and the Mini-skirts managed to squeeze an incredible 27 people into a classic mini cooper in 2014.
This record-breaking feat required careful planning and extreme flexibility from all participants, who contorted themselves into every available space – including the footwells, boot, and dashboard.
The original Mini, designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, was created to maximise interior space despite its compact external dimensions, but surely even its ingenious designer never envisioned it accommodating nearly 30 adults!
The record has since been broken with a modern MINI, fitting in 28 people, but the classic Mini’s achievement remains particularly impressive given its significantly smaller dimensions.
6. World’s First Underwater Car
The Rinspeed sQuba, unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, made history as the world’s first fully functional diving car.
Inspired by James Bond’s submersible Lotus Esprit from “The Spy Who Loved Me”, Swiss manufacturer Rinspeed created this astonishing vehicle that functions normally on land but can also navigate through water.
When submerged, the open-top car allows occupants (wearing diving equipment) to breathe normally as the sQuba descends to depths of up to 10 metres. Powered by three electric motors – one for land propulsion and two for underwater thrust.
The wheels automatically retract when entering water mode, while special waterproof instrumentation and materials ensure all systems function perfectly beneath the waves.
7. World’s First Flying Car
The PAL-V Liberty has earned recognition as the world’s first commercially available flying car. This Dutch-engineered marvel transforms from a three-wheeled road vehicle into a gyrocopter in just 10 minutes.
On the ground, the Liberty can reach speeds of 160km/h with a range of approximately 1,300km. Once airborne, it cruises at 180km/h with a flight range of 500km.
Unlike many conceptual flying cars, the PAL-V Liberty has achieved full certification for both road and air travel in Europe.
Pilots require both a driving licence and autogyro pilot certification, but the dual-mode vehicle represents the first practical implementation of the long-dreamed-of flying car concept, potentially revolutionising personal transportation.
8. World’s Longest Continuous Drive
The record for the world’s longest continuous drive belongs to Emil and Liliana Schmid, who have been driving their Toyota Land Cruiser around the globe since October 1984.
Having covered over 741,065km (460,476 miles) across 186 countries and territories, their journey represents the longest continuous drive in history.
Their trusty 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 has been meticulously maintained throughout this extraordinary odyssey, requiring numerous repairs and replacements but retaining its original chassis and spirit.
The Swiss couple has crossed deserts, jungles, mountains and war zones, demonstrating not only automotive endurance but human perseverance in what must surely rank as history’s greatest road trip.
9. World’s Oldest Car That Still Runs
The 1884 De Dion-Bouton et Trépardoux, affectionately known as “La Marquise,” holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest running car.
Built in Paris, this steam-powered quadricycle predates internal combustion engine vehicles by several years. Despite being nearly 140 years old, La Marquise remains fully operational, capable of reaching speeds up to 38mph with a range of approximately 20 miles on a single water tank.
The vehicle has participated in numerous veteran car rallies, demonstrating the remarkable durability of its pioneering design. In 2011, it sold at auction for $4.62 million, reflecting its incredible historical significance as the world’s earliest functioning automobile.
10. World’s Loudest Car
The record for the world’s loudest car belongs to a highly modified Ford Mustang known as “The Beast,” which produced an ear-shattering 182 decibels during official testing.
To put this in perspective, a jet engine at takeoff registers around 150 decibels, and exposure to sounds above 120 decibels can cause immediate hearing damage.
The Beast achieves this staggering volume through multiple custom-built speaker arrays and amplifiers that consume more power than many household electrical systems.
The sound system alone weighs more than some small cars. It even requires substantial reinforcement to the Mustang’s chassis to prevent structural damage from the intense vibrations produced during maximum volume operation.
Special Mentions
Fastest Car
The current world record stands with the Devel Sixteen, with it providing an absolutely staggering top speed of 347mph.
Most Expensive Car
Focussing on auction sold vehicles, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO holds the spot for the most expensive car to be sold.
World’s Most Cheapest Car
The Tata Nano, launched in India in 2008, earned fame as the world’s cheapest new car with an initial price of just ₹100,000 (approximately £900 at the time).
Most Sold Car Model
The Toyota Corolla holds the distinction of being the best-selling car model of all time, with over 50 million units sold since its introduction in 1966.
From the longest to the smallest, the oldest to the fastest, these record-breaking cars represent the impressive diversity and innovation of automotive engineering.
While some of these vehicles may seem impractical or excessive, they each push the boundaries of what’s possible on four wheels, inspiring future generations of designers and engineers to think beyond conventional limitations.
Whether breaking records for size, speed, longevity, or capability, these remarkable machines demonstrate that the automotive world continues to evolve in unexpected and fascinating ways.
As technology advances, we can only imagine what record-breaking vehicles might appear on our roads – and perhaps beneath our oceans or in our skies – in the decades to come.