So... What is a Peel P50? If I could describe these cars in just a few words, I would say they look like a futuristic car from the 60's! If you've seen the Austin Powers movies, you could easily imagine him cruising around town in one of these, yeah baby, YEAH!!!
These cars are so amazingly small, it's hard to imagine anyone driving around in these, let alone down a highway next to trucks or buses! But, indeed people do drive the Peel P50, I could see myself driving to work in one of these babies and not even having to leave the drivers seat to unlock the door to the classroom. I would drive right through the school gates, up to the door and park that little beauty inside the classroom. I would want a BLUE one!!!
Lets talk more about these miniature mobiles and where these crazy little cars come from.
The Peel P50 is a three wheeled classic, originally made in 1962 to 1965 by the Peel Engineering Company on the Isle of Man (for those of you unsure where the Isle of Man is, its located just off the coast of England). This car was actually listed in the Guinness book of records in 2010, for being the smallest car around!
This little beauty has no reverse gear! But wait there's something to help with this, JUMP out of the car (or squeeze out) and grab onto the handle which is located on the back of the car and spin yourself around. You can wheel your car anywhere using this handle as the car is extremely light in weight.
This car was actually designed to be a CITY CAR! Wait... WHAT!!!!
But it was, it's slogan or selling point was "This car can fit one adult and one shopping bag", Woohoo! One shopping bag!!!
There is only one door which is located on the left hand side of the car, it has one windscreen wiper and only ONE headlight (probably not a good idea to drive one of these babies out to the farm to see my parents, if a Kangaroo jumped out I would be crushed!)
This FANTASTIC car has two wheels located at the front of the car and one at the back, and the best part is, if you have more shopping you can buy an awesome trailer to cart all of your goodies.
The Peel P50 only comes in 3 colours Daytona White, Dragon Red, and Dark Blue. When this car first came out in 1963 you could buy this sweet car brand new for only £199. Only 50 were made in 1963 and there is only 27 of these cars known to be still in existence. BUT, don't shed a tear, these cars made a comeback in 2010 with a replica car being made by the new Peel Engineering Ltd, which is based in England.
This new model look exactly the same but with a huge improvement to the steering, suspension and drivetrain. But sadly this model was not road legal. But, in 2011 (thank god) these cars were being produced to be ROAD LEGAL - YES!
This version was PETROL & electric, the colours have stayed the same, only being able to purchase 3 great colours and could top 60 km/h, just imagine the feel of wind in your hair, while cruising in your city car that could be driven all through the inside of the shops!!!
If this car doesn't excite you like it does for me, check out the measurements for this tiny car!
- It sits at 1.4m long.
- Just under a metre wide.
- AND only weighs 59kgs!
This car would be the ultimate drive to work car for me, I would absolutely LOVE to have one of these. Check out the pictures of these adorable cars!
Ahhhhhhh, I want one!!!
