Extremely rare car made famous by Top Gear sells for huge sum in Kilkenny

A Peel P50 one-person commuter car was one of the many interesting lots that went under the hammer recently at Fonsie Mealy's Auction House in Castlecomer, County Kilkenny.

The Peel P50 was originally produced from 1962 to 1965 by the Peel Engineering Company on the Isle of Man.

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It measured just 54 inches long and 39 inches wide, making it the smallest production car ever built.

According to the auction listing, it came "with what is said to be an original 1962 Peel Company bodyshell, and which has been combined with a new chassis and electric drivetrain. It’s currently road-registered in Europe [Ireland] and this is a unique opportunity to acquire an iconic and rare piece of automobile history.

"The Peel P50 is famous for two things – being the smallest production car in history, and for its memorable appearance on the Top Gear TV series, being driven by Jeremy Clarkson around London and into the BBC offices."

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When the lot went under hammer, it garnered a lot of interest, and despite not being the exact example from the Top Gear episode, still sold for the whopping sum of €8000.

ABOUT FONSIE MEALY'S

Fonsie Mealy's was originally established in 1934 and is a family run business based on Chatsworth Street, Castlecomer.

In the late 1960s, Fonsie joined the firm and in addition to the established antiques and fine art business, he set up a rare book department.

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Fonsie is well known as a leading auctioneer and valuer of antiques, rare books, manuscripts, fine art and paintings.

George Fonsie (Fonsie’s son) joined the firm in 2004 and the business continues to prosper under the directorship of both father and son. 

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