After the Second World War the microcoupes occupied a prominent place within the European automotive industry. Inexpensive, efficient and small in size, they have been a great mobility solution for many communities that needed to be rebuilt.
This is how the eye-catching Isetta, Goggomobil, Heinkel, NSU Prinz and Messerschmitt appeared, just to name a few. And within this miniature species there was one that caught our eye: the Peel P50, a vehicle that has gone down in history for being the the smallest car on the planet and reach the Guinness Book of Records.
Made in the Isle of Man, Great Britain in the early 1960s, the Peel P50 measured just 1.37 meters long and 1.04 meters wide. Logically it had capacity for one person and extra space for the shopping bag. More did not enter.
With only three wheels and a single door to get in and out of the tiny cockpit, the Peel was produced over the span of three years (1962-1965). At the time she cost no more than about $240 and could travel up to 100 miles on one gallon of fuel (3.78 liters).
Being so small, it only weighed 59 kilos; to the point that it could be lifted by the driver from the rear and carried as if it were a supermarket trolley.
It carried a 49cc moped engine. and 4.5 horsepower, was manufactured by DKW and could push the vehicle up to 55 km/h.
The resurrection
The advantages of the Peel P50 were so many that two businessmen decided to re-found the company, proposing hand-built replicas of the original model and equipped with electric or thermal motors.
In this way the new company acquires a range made up of three versions: the classic P50 (called P.50 to differentiate from the original), limited edition convertible, and the Trident two-seater.
The basic price of the electric variant with a classic body is €14,000. It mounts a 2 kW motor that reaches 50 km/h and is powered by a battery that gives it up to 80 kilometers of autonomy.
One step higher is a “Turbo” alternative (also electric) with a 5.76 kW motor that can reach up to 80 km/h.
For its part, the petrol version can be equipped with 49 or 125 cm3 engines, but the company advises customers to opt for the smaller engine so that the Peel P.50 can be registered as moped.
There is a fourth variant, offered in kit to assemble at home. The customer can choose between the classic or convertible bodywork and the type of engine (petrol or electric). Whichever you choose, it will bring the necessary tools for its assembly which, according to the company, may require some 50 hours.
Source: Clarin
Ben Stock is a journalist working for News Rebeat, where he covers the automobile section. With a passion for cars and the industry, Ben brings insightful and in-depth reporting to his readers.
