In a story that feels ripped straight from a quirky British comedy — yet is entirely real — a 74-year-old grandfather from Lincolnshire has shattered expectations and a speed record by transforming an ordinary garden shed into a high-performance vehicle capable of reaching speeds that nearly double the UK’s national speed limit.
Known locally as a lifelong tinkerer and retired engineer, George “Speedy” Henshaw spent nearly three years converting his wooden garden shed into a fully functional, road-worthy machine. What began as a light-hearted hobby soon evolved into a serious engineering project that has now earned him a spot in the record books.
The shed-on-wheels, affectionately nicknamed “The Flying Timber”, looks from the outside like a typical British garden outhouse — complete with rustic wooden panels, a sloping roof, and even a tiny window with flowerpots. But beneath the humble exterior lies a powerful lightweight steel chassis, a modified 600cc engine, and advanced aerodynamics cleverly hidden within the structure.
Henshaw achieved his record during a specially monitored run on a private airstrip, where his shed clocked an astonishing 118 mph (190 km/h) — nearly double the standard 60 mph speed limit on UK country roads.
Speaking after the achievement, Henshaw joked, “My wife told me to spend more time in the shed — I don’t think this is what she meant! But I’ve proved that with imagination, patience, and a few spare parts, even an old shed can fly.”
Local residents have embraced the achievement, with many calling it a symbol of British creativity and eccentricity. The engineering community is equally impressed, noting that the shed’s structural challenges — especially drag resistance — make the accomplishment remarkable.
Officials from the UK’s automobile record authorities verified the speed, commending the unique build for meeting all safety and design standards during the attempt.
Plans are now underway for Henshaw to showcase The Flying Timber at automotive expos across Europe, inspiring a new generation of hobby inventors. When asked if he’ll build anything faster next, the smiling grandad replied, “Maybe a greenhouse that can outrun a Ferrari — but let me have a cup of tea first.”
