The Peel P50 gained international acknowledgement when Jeremy Clarkson drove one through the BBC offices during an older episode of Top Gear. This was possible because the P50, which was originally built on the Isle of Mann in the 1960s, is minute even when comparing it to our smallest of modern automobiles – Japanese Kei cars are massive in comparison.
It used to hold the record for being the smallest production car in the world, but it has been dethroned. Now you can own one for yourself, if you have $26,000 with which are willing to part. It is expensive, but it is also new and modern, as it is in fact, a replica built in the UK by Modern Microcars.
It features a four-stroke engine from Honda and various other electronic and mechanical improvements to make it work in today’s traffic conditions. The new power plant drives the rear wheel using a conventional chain, which itself gets its drive through a centrifugal clutch like the one you have on a scooter.
It is a really interesting proposition, and should prove pretty clean and fuel efficient to run – the original P50, with a two-stroke engine was already quite efficient as it was. This is probably one of the cheapest ways to get around in the rain, not get wet and be reasonably green at the same time. In addition, for extra cargo capacity it gets a small single-wheel trailer that can be towed behind. Get all of the details in the eBay ad.
By Andrei Nedelea
Story References: Autoblog.com
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