Peter Pellandine

Peter Pellandine was an influential car designer and manufacturer in the field of specials/kit cars and steam-powered vehicles in both the UK and Australia.

Pelladine worked for the prestigious British coachbuilders H. J. Mulliner & Co.

In 1955 he left Mulliner's to form Ashley Laminates in partnership with Keith Waddington. The name “Ashley” was derived from the name of Pellandine’s then home Ashleigh in Woodford Green. Ashley Laminates premises were first in a small garage in Epping New Road, Loughton quite close to Epping Forest.

A year later the partnership broke up amicably split and Pelladine founded Falcon Shells. Pelladine wanted to form a company he could grow and sell to enable him to emigrate. Falcon Shells was based at Waltham Abbey, and later at Hatfield. It had the rights to the short wheel base Ashley 750, which became the Falcon Mk 1 and the Ashley Sports Racer the Falcon Mk II.

Pelladine moved to New Zealand with family in 1957 and setting up a New Zealand branch of Falcon Shells, whilst continuing to operate Falcon Shells Ltd in UK. He returned to England via Australia in 1959 after closing down Falcon Shells (N.Z.). It is probable the Pelladine licensed Bill Ashton, formerly of Microplas and Weltex, and Ted George to continue making the Falcon under the Tiki brand in the 1960's. The Tiki is known to be based on the Ashley 750 body style. Pelladine continued to operate Falcon Shells Ltd in England until he sold it in 1962 to Mike Moseley and emigrated to Australia.

Pelladine continued his involvement in car design at Cherry Gardens, South Australia with Pellandini Cars, which he founded in 1970. Pellandini Cars sold BMC Mini and Volkswagen based kit cars. During this time in South Australia Pelladine conducted state-sponsored experiments with a steam car. The state was seeking a solution to deal with a smog problem in Adelaide. He even made an attempt at the world steam car speed record on an Adelaide track in 1976. His car was being evaluated at about the same time as Edward Pritchard's steam powered 1963 model Ford Falcon was being evaluated by the Australian Federal Government. Pelladine moved back to England in 1977.

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