Calling Car Manufacturers: Give Us A Peel Trident or P50 Inspired Car

30th October 2007

Calling Car Manufacturers: Give Us A Peel Trident or P50 Inspired Car

posted in Car Parts: Opinions, Used Auto Parts: Classics and Vintage, Wholesale Auto Parts: General Car Topics |

I don’t care if it was named as one of the worst cars of all times. I may even admit that I have a gullible brain, so easily shaped by marketing ploys and brilliantly crafted propaganda. Still, after seeing the Top Gear review of the 1964 Peel P50, I can’t help but say that I want one like it today. Watching the video review by Jeremy Clarkson just made me smile like a little boy, like when he gets a brand new toy. I can imagine how useful a car like this can be in my everyday life. Imagine packing this little toy with the latest of today’s technology and one will get a really cool automotive.

The Peel Trident and the Peel P50 remain as the world’s smallest production cars, built by the Peel Engineering Company on the Isle of Man. First retailing for about 150 GBP, the cars measure only 4 feet 5 inches long, 3 feet 3 inches wide and 3 feet 5 inches high. Weighing at about, 131 lbs plus the weight of the passenger, the cars can go at speeds of close to 40 mph. Peels can only carry one passenger, lack the devices we usually find in todayâ€™s cars like a speedometer and has no reverse gear.

Because of its size, one can actually bring the car anywhere by pulling it from behind via the attached handle. Coming in White, Blue and Red, the Peel P50 is powered by a small single cylinder 49cc 2 stroke Zweirad Union DKW Moped engine that can give a maximum power output of 4.2bhp @ 6,600rpm. Amazingly this small car can make 100 miles per gallon of gasoline.

I personally feel that with today’s technology, much of the drawbacks to owning a Peel Trident can be solved. With the advanced auto parts and vehicle devices we now have, it is not a farfetched idea to have a car at about the same size as this. Imagine one complete with today’s telematics, advanced engine systems, reinforced bodies, and earth friendly features. Surely, this is something that will make the makers of the Mini have a run for their money.

So, for all the top manufacturers out there, I call for you to look at the Peel P50 and see the future from this relic of the past.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 30th, 2007 at 10:58 am and is filed under Car Parts: Opinions, Used Auto Parts: Classics and Vintage, Wholesale Auto Parts: General Car Topics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response here.

1 On October 30th, 2007, Chris said:

So who wants a car like this? Tell me what you think. I still feel that it is a good idea to look at what the past has to offer and try improving on them. Reinventing the wheel is usually not a very good idea if you ask me.

2 On August 6th, 2008, Paul said:

I think they should start producing these again!! so many people want one! this car is the future.. it saves on petrol and is eco-friendly!! Edit them a little though.. like a reverse gear!

3 On September 8th, 2008, Keenan said:

Don’t need reverse, that will just add weight
ha
I am actually designing and planning on building and “updated” version, just because I love the idea so much.
Hopefully I wont get ran over.

4 On October 1st, 2008, Davie_k said:

I only saw the topgear episode lately, but I’m now so obsessed with the peel trident and P50 that I even look lovingly at pictures off the internet in moments of relaxation. Please make them bring this wonderful little car back, yes give it reverse, bring it to the standards of the 21st Century but please DO NOT change the size and undeniable charm that this little car inspires. I WANT ONE, and if I end up saving my whole life for a reconditioned one I will!

5 On October 27th, 2008, slc said:

this website needs some serious editing. the peel trident and peel p50 are two completely different cars. the peel trident was named as one of the worst cars ever, the p50 was not

6 On November 7th, 2008, Martin said: