A PASSIONATE petrolhead has built the world’s fastest van – with a blistering top speed of nearly 200 mph.
To an outsider, Richard Milton’s dark grey VW Caddy panel van appears quite ordinary and unassuming.
However, just two years ago, the car enthusiast from Marazion, Cornwall, set the world record for the fastest road-legal van.
Taking to the Santa Pod Raceway in Bedfordshire, Richard’s van completed the quarter-mile drag strip in an astonishing 9.97 seconds – reaching a top speed of just under 147 mph.
However, speaking to Sun Motors last year, he said he reckons it can reach almost 200 mph – but has so far only managed to clock 183 mph.
As the owner of Kernow Transporters Ltd, he purchased the Caddy 1.6 TDI seven years ago.
Known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, the motor is a staple of many delivery companies and other businesses.
The 57-year-old, who’s spent over £100,000 to convert the van into the speed machine it is today, said: “You get people here with loads of money who go out and buy a Lamborghini or a brand new Porsche and they think they’re the bees knees and you can go out and beat them in a panel van.”
To create the beast, Richard used a VW Golf Mk7 R as his ‘donor car’, using its four-wheel drive motor boasting 500 brake horsepower to replace the Caddy’s original two-wheel drive 102 bhp engine.
But he didn’t stop there, as he integrated high-spec parts from an Audi RS3, including a fully forged 2.5 CZGB RS3 engine, a seven-speed DSG gearbox, and an RS3 fuel tank.
These changes, along with many others, including the use of a turbo kit, propelled the van’s power from its original 102 bhp to a staggering 1,300 bhp.
Richard explained that for every extra precision part that was added for speed, weight was meticulously stripped away to keep the van as light as possible.
He added: “There are no tools left in this van at night – just a racing helmet and a fire extinguisher.”
Since its incredible transformation, the van has become a huge internet hit with an almighty following across the world.
He said: “People just love to see the panel van win.
“It’s famous; I’ve got followers all over the world.
“When you race people are excited and say ‘it’s the Caddy’.
“Everyone loves an underdog.
“It’s not even made to look fast. I’m not a boy racer, it’s all functional.
“It’s a lot of fun. I’ve always loved cars and played with them. I used to buy and sell mini Metros to make a bit of cash over winter, but I’ve been a chef and worked ski seasons in the Alps. I do all sorts.
“I bought the Caddy and just thought I wanted it to go faster. I got too excited, I like living life fast.”
The van, now road-legal and declared through the DVLA, costs Richard £650 a year in insurance.
Despite the high costs, he recently considered selling the van for £80,000 due to significant interest but ultimately decided against it.
He added: “It’s an expensive hobby, but I love it.”
