Two new world records are likely to be established tomorrow (Monday), if the one-litre Fiat Panda continues its remarkable progress from Cape Town to London non-stop.

Driven by Philip Young and Paul Brace, the Panda had already become the first car to drive from Sudan into Egypt over a new land-based frontier (expected to become available to travellers later this year) and they also drove across the top of Libya. The 1,600 kilometres from Libya's border with Egypt to Tunisia provided an astonishing insight into Libya's current struggles. The relevant borders are officially closed to all foreigners.

The British Army has held the record for the drive from Cape Town to London since 1983, when they set the mark in a factory-backed Range Rover V8. The two-cylinder Panda is likely to set a new record of ten days, when it reaches London's Marble Arch on Monday.

Along the way, Philip Young has also raised thousands of pounds for the charity Farm Africa.

When the Panda's 875cc engine is finally switched off, it will have covered over 1,000 miles per day to complete the 10,300-mile route across two continents and 13 countries.