Page 19 - Beep Beep July 2025

Sam Spink Thanks for sending in…
The Peel P50
The Peel P50 is widely recognized as the
smallest production car ever made, a
unique microcar that stands out in
automotive history for its minimalist design
and quirky charm. Manufactured by the
Peel Engineering Company on the Isle of
Man between 1962 and 1965, the P50 was
intended as a city car, offering extreme
efficiency and simplicity in urban
transportation.
Measuring just 54 inches long, 39 inches
wide, and weighing around 130 pounds,
the Peel P50 had seating for one adult and
a small amount of luggage. It had no
reverse gear; instead, drivers were
expected to physically maneuver the car
using a handle at the rear. The original
version was powered by a 49cc DKW
single-cylinder engine, which produced
around 4.2 horsepower and enabled a top
speed of about 37 mph. It used a three-
speed manual transmission and was
capable of surprisingly good fuel economy
—over 100 miles per gallon.
The P50 was built with a fiberglass body
and featured only one door (on the left
side), a single headlight, and a single
windshield wiper. It was marketed as being
able to accommodate a driver and a
s h o p p i n g b a g , a n d i t s e x t r e m e
compactness allowed it to navigate tight
city streets and parking spaces with ease.
In 2010 Peel Engineering
Ltd. in England reinstated
manufacturing of the P50
and Trident models from
its premises in Sutton-in-
Ashfield, England. The
P50 is still being
produced today, both as a
petrol and electric
vehicle.
Despite its novelty, the Peel P50 was produced in very
limited numbers—only about 50 units were made
originally—making it a rare and highly collectible
vehicle today. In 2010, Peel Engineering was revived,
and modern versions of the P50 (with updated
components and electric models) have been
manufactured for enthusiasts and collectors.
The Peel P50 gained broader recognition through
appearances in media, most famously when it was
featured on the television show *Top Gear*, where it
was driven through the BBC offices by Jeremy
Clarkson. The car’s odd proportions, simplicity, and
playful character have made it a cult icon in
automotive culture, and it continues to hold the
Guinness World Record for the smallest production car
ever built.
TopGear.com :: YouTube ::
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJfSS0ZXYdo
19