Tiny Terror: Peel P50, The World's Smallest Street-Legal Car
At just 54 inches long and weighing a mere 130 lbs, the Peel P50 holds the Guinness World Record for the smallest production car ever built. Created by Peel Engineering on the Isle of Man from 1962–1965, this microcar redefined urban mobility and still turns heads six decades later.
🛠 Specs That Shock
- Engine: 49cc DKW single-cylinder 2-stroke
- Horsepower: ~4.2 hp @ 6,800 RPM
- Top Speed: 38 mph (61 km/h)
- Transmission: 3-speed manual (no reverse gear)
- Weight: 59 kg (130 lbs)
- Fuel Economy: ~100 mpg (Imperial)
Despite its modest performance, the Peel P50 was purpose-built for the tight streets of 1960s Britain. It could fit one adult and a shopping bag — and when you needed to reverse? Just grab the handle on the back and walk it around.
🏁 Not Just a Gimmick — It's a Record Holder
The Peel P50 isn’t just a curiosity — it’s a legend. Featured in Top Gear where Jeremy Clarkson famously drove it through BBC headquarters, the P50 became a pop culture icon. It's also a collector's dream: one unit fetched over £110,000 at auction.
⚡Modern Twist: Electric Peel P50
In recent years, electric replicas of the P50 have made headlines. One such model completed a full lap around the Isle of Man TT course — over 37 miles — with just 20% battery consumption. A nod to both innovation and the enduring appeal of the world's tiniest titan.
🔍 Want to See One?
You can check out authentic images and even live auctions of the Peel P50 on sites like Bring a Trailer, Car & Classic, and vintage car forums across the web.
Peel P50 Image Gallery
