How Big is the World’s Smallest Car?

It’s the world’s smallest car.

Sitting at 41 inches wide and 54 inches long, it fits just you and a shopping bag (and a small one at that).

It doesn’t reverse. Unless, of course, you use the handle on the side to turn the car around. As far as features are concerned, there are two: a miniature windshield wiper and a singular headlight.

A singular headlight.

Need to be somewhere quickly? You’re better off driving something else. This speed demon tops out at a whopping 60 km/h. At least you save money on gas, though; at 2.8 L/100 km, it might as well be a hybrid.

What is this mysterious vehicle I speak of?

The legendary Peel P50.

The Peel P50: The Worlds Smallest Car

The Peel P50 is a three-wheeled microcar that’s officially listed as the smallest production car ever created.

When it was around, 1962-1965, this minuscule automobile went for around $2,200 US.

Only 50 Peel P50’s were ever made, and only 27 are known to still be in existence. If you were interested in owning one of these now, you’d be hard pressed to find an original model. They’ve become quite the collector’s edition over the years.

In fact, in 2016, a Peel P50 sold for $176,000 US at an auction in Florida. Not too shabby for a car that would lose to a cheetah in a road race.

Can I Buy the Worlds Smallest Car Today?

Believe it or not… Yes.

The original manufacturers, Peel Engineering Ltd., decided to resurrect the car in 2010. It was marketed alongside the Peel’s cousin, the Trident.

While the Trident and Peel P50 look the same, there are a few mechanical differences between the two, one of them being the Trident’s fully functioning reverse gear (you know, if you’re into that kind of thing).

Peel Engineering continues to manufacturer the Peel P50 today in Great Britain. And just like in the 60’s, it comes in five different colors and has a fibreglass monocoque chassis that makes the car light, yet tough.

So, if you ever find yourself on the other side of the pond and in need of a ride, the Peel P50 is as viable an option as any. Unless you plan on getting more than one bag of groceries. Then you’re screwed.

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