A new auction record has been established for microcars in Australia, following the sale of a rare 1964 Peel P50 at Donington Auctions. The car fetched an impressive $85,000 during the Collector & Competition Car Auction, confirming the growing enthusiasm for unique automotive collectibles. This particular Peel P50, known for its diminutive size, has attracted significant interest, partly due to its appearance on the popular television show *Top Gear*, where host Jeremy Clarkson famously drove it through the BBC studios.
Details of the Auction
The auction, held in Donington, saw bidders from both Australia and abroad vying for the microcar, which weighs a mere 59 kilograms and measures just 137 cm long and 99 cm wide. This remarkable vehicle is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest production car ever manufactured. The Peel P50 was produced between 1962 and 1965 by the Peel Engineering Company on the Isle of Man, and only 49 units were ever made, with only 27 believed to still exist today.
This specific model was recently discovered in a garage in Queensland, where it had remained untouched for over five decades. Alongside the Peel P50, another classic microcar, the 1962 Messerschmitt KR200, also garnered attention during the auction, although it did not reach the same record-breaking price.
Significance of the Sale
The Peel P50 sold at Donington is considered unique as it is believed to be the only factory-built example currently in Australia. The auction’s outcome demonstrates a clear trend in the collector’s market, where the rarity and originality of vehicles are valued highly. Damien Duigan, an auctioneer at Donington, stated, “This result reinforces that rarity and unrestored originality remain key factors for collectors in today’s market and that they’re willing to pay a premium for it.”
The enthusiastic bidding for the Peel P50 highlights the ongoing fascination with microcars, which have become symbols of automotive history and innovation. As collectors seek these unique vehicles, the record price achieved today may encourage further interest in similarly rare models in the future.
