Standing a mere 53cm hig, this tiny mean machine is the world's lowest car. Called the Flat Out, it was built by motor fanatic Andy Saunders, from Poole, Dorset using a rusty 1989 Fiat 126. The car can reach a top speed of 65 mph.

The 43-year-old garage manager built the tiny red convertible - named Flat Out - in just three days in front of amazed spectators at a Beaulieu Motor Museum car show in the New Forest, Hants.

He cut down the car parts and installed a 19-inch high engine, 10-inch steering wheel and tyres measuring just 12 inches. The "car-stylist" used two 1970s-style plastic canteen chairs for the seats and reduced the original Fiat windscreen to just six inches.

He said: "Although the car looks small it was a big, big job and involved lots of hard work. But it was worth it to get the record.

The car will be displayed at Beaulieu for the next 12 months. It will then be at the world-famous Essen motor show in Germany in November.