By Sohaib Shams
A rare Peel P50, officially recognized as the world's smallest production car, is set to go under the hammer at Iconic Auctioneers in Warwickshire on 14 November with an estimated price of £40,000 to £60,000.
Unique design and history
The three-wheeled microcar measures just 4.5 feet long and 3.5 feet wide, accommodating only one adult and a shopping bag. Built by the Peel Engineering Company on the Isle of Man in 1964, it retailed for £199 (equivalent to £3,635 today) and had a top speed of nearly 40 mph. It lacks a reverse gear; instead, the driver uses a rear handle to lift and turn the car manually.
Scarcity drives value
Only about 50 were produced between 1962 and 1965, and fewer than 30 survive today. The olive green example being auctioned was imported new to Finland in 1964 and returned to the UK earlier this year. Iconic Auctioneers describes it as unrestored and highly original.
Cult status among collectors
Car specialist Alex Lucocq said the P50 has achieved cult-like status over the past 20 years, praised by personalities such as Jeremy Clarkson. Its rarity means an original model often commands higher prices than many British sports cars of the era.
