VIDEO++ review: World's smallest car...

In this blog entry, I'd like to present you the "World's smallest car".  It's no other than PEEL 50 and PEEL Trident 2 seater. Top speed 30mph (48km/h). 100mpg+.  

What is PEEL? 

 Above: PEEL 50.

The following is extracted from Wikipedia 

 

The Peel Engineering Company is a manufacturing company based on the Isle of Man that primarily made fibreglass boats as well as fairings for motorcycles. They were also responsible for the Peel Manxcar, Peel P50, and Peel Trident microcars, in addition to the Peel Viking Sport and prototype GRP Minis for BMC. These models constitute the only automobiles manufactured on the Isle of Man; the company halted their manufacture in 1969. A limited-run Peel Manxkart go-kart was also produced. The Peel P50 to this day still carries the Guinness record as the World's Smallest Production Car. The Peel Engineering Company was dissolved in 1974.

Without further ado, I present some videos from Youtube of PEEL 50:

Video 1:

 

Jeremy drives the world's smallest production car to work and even takes it into the lift in this hilarious clip from BBC's Top Gear. Watch out for cameos from John Humphries when he kidnaps the car and Fiona Bruce in the lift!  

Video 2: Peel P50 at Ripley's Believe It Or Not!
 

Video 3: Peel P50 original advertisement

VIDEO 4: Peel P50 on Xtra factor 

VIDEO 5: Peel Trident & P50 - World's smallest car

VIDEO 6: Tribute to Cyril Cannell. Designer of the Peel P50 & Trident

VIDEO 7: Microcars on CBS News Sunday

 

Above and below: PEEL Trident 2 seater.

Here's some info about Peel Microcars: 
SOURCE: Andy Carter's website

History

Peel microcars were built in Peel, Isle of Man in the 1960's by Peel Engineering.
Owner designer Cyril Cannell and his workforce led by George Gelling created these cars in premises close to peel harbour.

Peel Engineering was at the forefront of glass fibre and plastics moulding technology, famous for its motorcycle racing fairings and boat-building expertise.

Peel Microcars Facts

Peel P50

 

• Single seat 3 wheeler with a 49cc Zweirad Union (DKW) 4.5HP
• 2 stroke moped engine. 3 Speed gearbox.
• 54 inches long (1.37M) and 41 inches wide (1.04)
• The prototype was even smaller!
• Approx. 47 cars built from October 1963 to December 1964
• Glassfibre construction with no chassis.
• Colours available: Red / White / Med Blue. (and a two-tone one)

Peel Trident

 

• 2 seater 3 wheeler with dome top and a 49cc Zweirad Union (DKW) 4.5hp.
• 2 stroke moped engine. 3 Speed gearbox.
• A few cars had the 99cc Triumph Tina/T10 auto unit and larger 8” rear wheel.
• 71 inches long (1.81M) and 42 inches wide (1.07M)
• Colours available: Red. / Pale blue.
• Glassfibre construction with no chassis.
• Approx. 82 tridents built from December 1964 to December 1966

(A few tridents were fitted with an optional shopping basket in place of the passenger seat - this allowed a 16 year old learner driver to drive alone)
 

Replicas

Peel replicas are an emotive subject - you either love them or hate them. Fact of life is that they exist. The problem is when replicas are passed off as genuine cars.

If you want a Peel but cannot afford up to £35,000 that some now sell for, you can get an almost exact replica for a fraction of the price. Some replicas have modern engines with electric start and automatic drive, making them easier to drive and maintain.

To date almost 30 Peel P50 and Trident replicas have been built or are being constructed by enthusiasts around the World. Many parts are available from autojumbles etc., and other parts have been remade. Kits and complete cars are available.

I (the webmaster) am the progenitor of Peel replicas, however several sets of moulds now exist around the World. Details of replicas are included in the Peel register to help clarify the original cars, and prevent confusion.

END OF SOURCE...

OTOREVIEW'S NOTE:  There's only 20 units of Authentic Peel cars left on British roads.  2 of them in Ripley's Believe it or Not museum.  Apparently, Peel 50 Replica is still on sale... Limited to 50 units.  As I'm typing this 15 units left.  Here's the link:
http://www.peelengineering.co.uk/store_cat.php?peelstore=4

 That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.

Problem uploading photos.  Will update ASAP.  photos uploaded 10.14pm!