Peel P50
| Peel P50 | |
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Peel Engineering Company and Peel Engineering Ltd (UK-based) |
| Production | 1962–1965 2010–present (EV) 2011–present (Petrol) |
| Assembly |
Isle of Man 1962-1965, England 2010–present |
| Designer | Cyril Cannell |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Microcar |
| Body style | 1-door coupé |
| Layout | Side engine, rear wheel drive |
| Related | Peel Trident |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1,270 mm (50.0 in) |
| Length | 134 cm (52.8 in) |
| Width | 99 cm (39.0 in) |
| Height | 100 cm (39.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 56 kg (123 lb) |
The Peel P50 is a three-wheeled microcar originally manufactured from 1962 to 1965 by the Peel Engineering Company on the Isle of Man. It was listed in the 2010 Guinness World Records as the smallest production car ever made. It had no reverse gear, but a handle at the rear allows the very lightweight car to be physically manoeuvred when required.
Designed as a city car, it was advertised in the 1960s 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 one headlight. Standard colours were Daytona White, Dragon Red, and Dark Blue. The 1963 model retailed for £199 when new (about £1,400 in 2010, or US$2,200). The company produced 50 P50s and only 27 are known to still exist, one of which was sold for a record US$176,000 at a Sotheby's auction in March 2016.
In 2010, Peel Engineering Ltd in England started re-manufacturing the P50 and Trident models from its premises in Sutton-in-Ashfield, England. Externally this car is very similar to the original, but with mechanical differences in the suspension, steering, and drive-train, as well as a fully functioning reverse gear, ensuring they are road legal on today's roads. Petrol models with a 49 cc, four-stroke engine are being produced, as well as electric models with an electric moped motor and gelled-electrolyte batteries. The top speed of both cars is about 28 mph (45 km/h), and retail prices start at £10,399 + VAT (EU only.)
At 54 in (1,372 mm) long and 39 in (991 mm) wide and with an unladen weight of 59 kilograms (130 lb), the P50 holds the record as the smallest car ever to go into production.
The P50 used a 49 cc (3.0 cu in) DKW engine, which gave it a top speed of approximately 37 mph (60 km/h), and was equipped with a three-speed manual transmission that had no reverse gear. Consequently, turning in a confined area could be achieved only by pushing, or lifting the car using the handle on the rear and physically pulling it round. The makers and users claim fuel consumption of 100 mpg‑imp (2.8 L/100 km; 83 mpg‑US).
...
Wikipedia