Peel P50

Peel P50
Overview
ManufacturerPeel Engineering Company and Peel Engineering Ltd. (UK-based)
Production1962–1965
2010–present (EV)
2011–present (Petrol)(Gas)
AssemblyPeel, Isle of Man (1962–1965)
Sutton-in-Ashfield, England (2010–present)
DesignerCyril Cannell
Body and chassis
ClassMicrocar
Body style1 -door coupé
LayoutSide engine, rear wheel drive
RelatedPeel Trident, Peel Viking Sport, Peel Manxcar
Powertrain
Engine
  • 1963–1964: DKW 49 cubic centimetres (3.0 cu in; 0.049 L), 4.2 brake horsepower (4.3 PS; 3.1 kW) single-cylinder, fan-cooled (top speed: 61 km/h (38 mph)
  • 2011 Petrol : 49 cubic centimetres (3.0 cu in; 0.049 L), 2.5 kilowatts (3.4 PS; 3.4 bhp), four-stroke engine
  • 2011 Electric: 2.3 kilowatts (3.1 PS; 3.1 bhp) brushless DC electric motor
Transmission
Dimensions
Curb weight1963-1964: 59 kilograms (130 lb)
2010 EV: 105 kilograms (231 lb)
2011 Petrol & Electric: 98 kilograms (216 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorPeel Manxcar
SuccessorPeel Trident

The Peel P50 is a three-wheeled microcar originally made from 1962 to 1965 by the Peel Engineering Company on the Isle of Man, and then from 2010 to present. It was listed in the 2010 Guinness World Records as the smallest production car ever made. The original model has no reverse gear, but a handle at the rear allows the very lightweight car to be maneuvered physically 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 £4433 in 2021). The company produced 50 P50s, of which 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 reinstated manufacturing of the P50 and Trident models from its premises in Sutton-in-Ashfield, England. Externally this car is very similar to the original, with the same dimensions and kerb weight as the original, but with mechanical differences in the suspension, steering, and drive-train, and a fully functioning reverse gear, ensuring they are road-legal under modern-day laws. Production included petrol models with a 49 cc four-stroke engine and electric models with an electric moped motor and gelled-electrolyte batteries. The top speed of both cars is about 28 mph (45 km/h).