peel trident + P50: the world's smallest city car

for 2012, peel is producing electric versions of two cars originally produced in 1962; the ‘trident’ (left) and ‘P50’ (right)

originally manufactured in 1962, the ‘P50’ by british engineering company peel continues to hold the world record for the smallest production automobile, and the company has begun a limited edition run of its ‘P50‘ and ‘trident‘ models with an electric or petrol engine. the 3-wheeled street-legal vehicles are urban commuters, with a limited top speed and driving range but a fully enclosed chassis.

the 2012 peel ‘trident’

composed of fiberglass, the 2-seater electric ‘trident’ is 1829mm long by 1067 wide (72 x 42 inches) at a weight of 90kg (198 lbs). the top of the doorless vehicle swings upward for entry. the petrol model of the car offers a 49cc engine with a top speed of 65 km/hr (40mph) and a fuel economy of 50km/L (118 mpg). the electric version attains the same top speed with a range of 30 km (20mi) per battery pack.

3/4 rear view, ‘peel trident’

‘trident’ with roof raised for entry

the ‘peel P50’, front and rear views

based off of the car originally advertised as capable of seating ‘one adult and a shopping bag’, the electric ‘peel P50’ is 1372mm long by 1041mm wide and 1200mm tall (54 x 41 x 47.2 inches), weighing 60kg (132 lbs). it features the same technical specs as the ‘trident’: a 49-cc petrol or DC electric engine, both with a top speed of 65 km/hr (40mph) and either a fuel economy of 50km/L (118mpg) or range of 30 km (20mi) per battery pack.

side view, ‘peel P50’

3/4 front view, ‘peel P50’

street view of the ‘P50’ in red nick obank / ruaridh connellan of barcroft media

each vehicle is available in a limited edition run of 25 cars for 12,500 GBP (about 19,800 USD). both are available in its classic offerings of red, white, and blue, with the ‘P50’ also available in a new fuchsia tone, or bespoke colours by request.

technical sketch, ‘peel trident’

technical sketch, ‘peel P50’

via gizmag