Peel Microcars Revived in U.K.

Just the Facts:

• Two truly "mini" cars from the U.K. are being revived.
• The Peel P50 and Trident are being built in limited quantities in England.
• The P50 is the smallest-ever production car, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

LONDON — Plans have been announced to reprise a limited manufacturing run and sale of the Guinness Book of World Records' smallest-ever production automobile, the three-wheeled, single-seater P50 from the 1960s.

The microcar had a cousin, the bubble-top two-passenger Trident, which will also be offered for sale in resurrected form.

The original little cars were two of the products of Peel Engineering, on the west coast of the Isle of Man in the town of Peel. Other products were the Peel Manxcar and Peel Viking Sport, as well as prototype Minis for BMC.

The original Peel Engineering was the producer of the only motorcars ever built on the island perhaps best known for the legendary Isle of Man Tourist Trophy motorcycle road race first held in 1907.

According to Peel Microcars, a Web site claiming to be "the site for Peel microcars built in the Isle of Man," the original designer was Cyril Cannell.

Car enthusiasts Gary Hillman and Faizal Khan have acquired the company, and the new Peel Engineering, billing itself as "Home of the World's Smallest Car — Since 1962," is accepting orders for both models.

Two types of power are available — either a 49cc two-stroke gasoline engine, such as the moped engines installed in the originals, or an electric motor. The Gas and Eco models are said to be street legal for operation in the U.K., with top speeds of 45 mph for the gas version and 50 mph for the electric.

The gasoline engine is rated at 126 mpg, and the cruising range on a battery charge for the electric is 50 miles.

Prices start at $10,772, with a $1,546 deposit required to place an order. Cars are on display through the Ripley's Believe It or Not worldwide attraction.

The P50 weighs 132 pounds, light enough for many users to pick up the rear of the vehicle and tow it on its two front wheels. The two-seater Trident weighs 198 pounds.

Inside Line says: These things make the Smart look like a jumbo SUV. Get yours while supplies last!