A record-setting auction took place at Donington Auctions today, where the world-renowned Peel P50 microcar sold for an impressive $85,000. This sale marks a significant milestone in the automotive auction market in Australia, particularly for microcars, as it set a new record price for this category. The auction featured a collection of rare vehicles, but it was the Peel P50 that captivated collectors both locally and internationally.
The 1964 Peel P50, famously driven by Jeremy Clarkson during a segment on the BBC show Top Gear, is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest production car ever manufactured. Weighing a mere 59 kilograms and measuring just 137 cm in length and 99 cm in width, this microcar is an extraordinary example of automotive engineering. Originally produced between 1962 and 1965 by the Peel Engineering Company on the Isle of Man, the P50 has become one of the most sought-after and collectible cars worldwide.
This particular vehicle recently surfaced in a garage in Queensland, where it had remained untouched for over five decades. The auction at Donington also featured the 1962 Messerschmitt KR200, but it was the Peel P50 that garnered the most attention. According to Damien Duigan, the managing director of Donington Auctions, the sale’s outcome underscores the importance of rarity and originality in the current collector market.
Duigan 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 Peel P50 is believed to be the only factory-built example in Australia, with only 49 units originally produced and approximately 27 thought to still exist.
The auction attracted bids from around the globe, ultimately leading to fierce competition before a local collector secured the P50. This sale reflects a growing interest in unique and historically significant vehicles. The excitement surrounding the Peel P50 highlights how the intersection of nostalgia and rarity can drive auction prices to new heights. Collectors and enthusiasts alike are likely to keep a close watch on future auctions as the market for rare vehicles continues to evolve.
