Cape to Cape in 28 Days: British adventurer breaks world record in an INEOS Grenadier

LONDON, May 2026 – British fine-art photographer and adventurer, John Balsdon, has completed the legendary 20,000km Cape to Cape road challenge in record-breaking time, at the wheel of an INEOS Grenadier.

Balsdon and his five-strong support team achieved the feat in just 28 days and 13 hours, breaking the previous record, set in 1984, by five hours. Driving two Grenadiers in convoy, the intrepid crew crossed 25 borders spanning two continents, starting from Nordkapp in Norway – the most northerly point in Europe – and ending at Cape Agulhas, South Africa – the most southerly point in Africa.

During the four-week journey, Balsdon and his team overcame punishing driving conditions and extreme temperatures ranging from –28 degrees C to +48 degrees C. Beating the record meant driving across the African continent with very few breaks, including the gruelling final 3,500 km through Angola, Namibia and finally South Africa – covered in just over two days.

Two additional records were set in achieving the feat: completing the journey while towing an expedition trailer; and tackling the route with two cars simultaneously. Balsdon also becomes the first person to fully document the historic long distance challenge on film, with a documentary featuring many of the people and places they encountered along the route. The film is set to premiere later this year.

Balsdon said: “Our Grenadiers took us from the coldest place in Europe to the hardest and hottest places in Africa. They were heavily laden, with one of them towing an expedition trailer for nearly 24,000 kilometres.  It was tough on us but much tougher on the cars – but they performed and were reliable no matter the environment or our demands.  Being with them across this journey showed us the character of these cars and they endeared themselves to all six of us!” 

INEOS Automotive provided assistance to the team, including full expedtion prep and kitting out  their Grenadiers prior to departure.

Lynn Calder, CEO at INEOS Automotive, commented: “The Cape to Cape challenge remains one of the world’s most challenging long distance driving events and is exactly the kind adventure we envisaged Grenadier owners taking on when we developed the vehicle. The success of the four-week mission is testament to the fortitude of John and his team and the capability  of the Grenadier.”

Further details about the expedition can be found at alwayslooktwice.com/cape-to-cape/. To find out more about the Grenadier, visit www.ineosgrenadier.com.