One of the most popular world records over recent years has been the hotly contested tightest parallel parking title. The record has changed hands five times in the past two years, with the video of German driving ace Ronny Wechselberger ‘s successful attempt last year becoming something of an Internet sensation with viewing figures hitting the millions.
When Patrik Folco neatly slid his way into a gap measuring just 22 cm (8.66 in) longer than the car he was driving last month it set a benchmark that looked unlikely to be broken. However, the record has indeed once again been smashed, this time by Chinese master wheel man Han Yue.
Han managed to shave off an incredible 7cm from the record, drifting into a space of just 15cm (5.91in) longer than his vehicle during an attempt at the launch in Beijing of a new special edition of the Mini called The Chinese Job.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRpZyCBE2Ug[/tube]
Is the Editor of the Parkers website and price guide, formerly editor of Classic Car Weekly, and launch editor/creator of Modern Classics magazine. Has contributed to various motoring titles including Octane, Practical Classics, Evo, Honest John, CAR magazine, Autocar, Pistonheads, Diesel Car, Practical Performance Car, Performance French Car, Car Mechanics, Jaguar World Monthly, MG Enthusiast, Modern MINI, Practical Classics, Fifth Gear Website, Radio 4, and the the Motoring Independent...
Likes 'conditionally challenged' motors and taking them on unfeasible adventures all across Europe.
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Makes you wonder where they’ll draw the line with this.
I mean if it gets to the point where you can no longer get a feeler gauge between either car, would that count or would that just be a crash?
Always a pleasure watching Russ Swift do it time after time though.
Getting it in is easy compared to getting it out again.
Simply so what I do, leave home earlier, arrive at town earlier and take your pick of the spaces!
“The Chinese Job”? WTF?????????
I really hope this was a locally-named LE and not another half-baked one dreamt up by Munich to join the other 2500 that are currently available.
Have to agree with the Russ Swift comment, the man has some amazing skill.
Now try it with passengers.
Whats a video like this without a fail or two?
Incredible stuff but good point Tim, comment 2!!
Also, Clarke, above – yes, surely there must be some misses!
Memories of Russ Swift. I think he did something similar on You Bet?
Also begs the question, why do other german cars need so many parking spaces?
@8 He did a couple of challenges on You Bet, one involving an HHR Rover 400
Wht dont they just get a smart car and drive in to the space?
That’s fantastic. Love to see it with a big cruiser, an XJ maybe? Or an artic?
@ Ross (9)
That must have been a set up then, as most Rover HHR’s handbrakes are that bad they roll uphill when parked facing down! (ahem)
Oh yeah!
I tried the same thing in an ex’s MG Metro and snapped the cable. Oh what fun I had pissing about trying to fit a new one (in the drizzling rain too)
Funny to see mechanics all run to the loo when a Metro or Rover 100 came into the shop with “handbrake cable” written on the job card. Someone once said that fitting a new speedo cable wearing a blindfold and boxing gloves was easier… I kinda concurred with his sentiment!