Peel P50: Tiny car sells for big money at auction

A 1963 Peel P50 – widely accepted to be the smallest series-production car in history – has sold at auction in the UK for a claimed £111,000 ($AU200,000).

The bright red example is one of just 46 built, and, according to the seller “may be the earliest ever.” It's unclear who bought the car.

A 50cc two-stroke petrol engine sends 2.5kW to the single rear wheel via a three-speed manual transmission, allowing the 59kg fibreglass body to reach a top speed of approximately 45km/h.

At launch almost 60 years ago, the manufacturer claimed fuel use figures of 2.3 litres per 100 kilometres – more efficient than many motorcycles from the era. 

This car is a pre-production example, and fitted with a unique windscreen, Lucas sidelights, and a cream-coloured plastic steering wheel.

The Peel P50 was built between 1962 and 1965 on the Isle of Man, at the height of the microcar craze in Europe. However, in 2011 an English manufacturer began offering modern replicas delivered in a kit.