Certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, the Peel P50 is the world’s smallest production car ever made. At 52.8 inches (134cm) long, 39 inches (99cm) wide, 39.4 inches tall (100cm), it is absolutely teeny tiny and not one for somebody who is claustrophobic!
source/image(PrtSc): idriveaclassic
But who and why were these made? Well first of all, this wasn’t a one off or a special vanity project. It was a microcar designed by Cyril Cannell and Henry Kissack and although it was a car, it was actually launched at the Earls Court Motorcycle Show.Watch the video from idriveaclassic:
The 49cc powered car made from 1962 until 1966 and was capable in her heyday of doing 37 mph top speed. In fact, Peel sold these along with the Peel Trident with the strapline ‘cheaper than walking’ because they were reported to give you 100mpg.Peel Engineering Company, the makers of these little cars, were based in Peel on the Isle of Man and had traditionally used their business for making fibreglass boats and fairings for bikes.
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In their heyday, Peel Engineering Company employed around 40 people. Priced at £199 new, the lack of reverse gear on these meant that punters in the UK at least, could drive them on a motorbike license and dodge the car sales tax. It’s also worth mentioning, comparatively at the time, £250 would’ve bought you a fairly good motorbike./idriveaclassic
