It took longer than anyone would have liked but it nevertheless is still a case of ‘better late than never’.

The British Steam Car Challenge team has finally achieved its goal of becoming the fastest steam-powered streamliner in the world. Driven by Charles Burnett III, the streamliner clocked in an official two-way average of 139.843 miles per hour, besting the previous average speed of 127 miles per hour, which was set by Fred Marriot on board a Stanley Steamer back in 1906. If you’re doing your math, that record has stood for 103 years!

No wonder the folks at the British Steam Car Challenge were so hell bent on besting that time.

Burnett III drove the vehicle twice, posting times of 136.103 for the first run and 151.085 mph for the second run. Overseeing the whole record-breaking milestone was, of course, the FIA, which will officially hand the record over to its new owners after having not touched the previous mark for well over a century.

Continued after the jump.

In an interview done shortly after braking the record, Burnett III had this to say: "It was absolutely fantastic I enjoyed every moment of it. We reached nearly 140mph on the first run. All systems worked perfectly, it was a really good run. The second run went even better and we clocked a speed in excess of 150 mph. The car really did handle beautifully. The team has worked extremely hard over the last 10 years and overcome numerous problems. It is a privilege to be involved with such a talented crew, what we have achieved today is a true testament to British engineering, good teamwork and perseverance”

Congratulations to the British Steam Car Challenge team. Here’s to hoping that your time at the top lasts longer than its previous occupant.