The Peel P50, the worlds smallest production automobile, on display at ecovelocity, Battersea Power Station.
The worlds smallest production automobile. On display at ecovelocity, Battersea Power Station. The Peel P50 is a three-wheeled microcar originally manufactured in 1962 and 1965) by the Peel Engineering Company on the Isle of Man. It retailed for £199 when new (1963 Model), and currently holds the record for the smallest automobile to go into production. It has no reverse gear thus proving difficult to maneuver in tight situations. Designed as a city car, it was advertised as capable of seating "one adult and a shopping bag." The vehicle's only door was on its left side, and equipment included a single windscreen wiper and only one headlight. Standard colors were Daytona White, Dragon Red and Dark Blue. In 2010 production of a replica version was started by a newly formed company, called Peel Engineering Ltd based in England (not to be confused with the original Peel Engineering Company from the Isle of Man). Externally this car was very similar to the original but with many major mechanical differences in the suspension, steering and drivetrain. Driven by an electric motor and with a top speed of 16 km/h (10 mph), this version was produced as a display vehicle and was not road legal. In 2011 production commenced on a new road legal petrol version. Most colors from the original are used in the 2010 models with only Dark Blue being replaced by Capri Blue. The 2011 petrol variant utilizes a 49cc, KW ( HP) gasoline Four-stroke engine and Continuously variable transmission with reverse. A 12 volt electrical system powers the electric starter, lights and windshield wiper. Speed is usually restricted from the factory at 45 km/h (28 mph) by a computerized system, but can be increased at the buyers request. On 28 October 2007, the P50 was featured in a segment of the BBC motoring programme Top Gear on BBC Two, during which the presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, entered the car and drove through central London to work.
Size: 2704px × 4064px
Location: Battersea Power Station, 188 Kirtling Street, London SW8 5BN
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: automobile, car, ecovelocity, green, microcar, p50, peel, retro, smallest
