World’s smallest car going on a VERY long journey for good cause

By Ellie Forbes via SWNS

A vintage car enthusiast is driving the length of the UK in the world’s smallest car – a tiny three-wheeler with a top speed of just 23 mph.

Alex Orchin, 31, set off from John O'Groats on Saturday and has covered more than 360 miles in the Peel P50, which is just 53 inches long, 39 inches wide and 39 inches high.

He hopes to reach Land’s End, Cornwall, in around three weeks – becoming the first person to take on the journey in a P50.

P50s were first made on the Isle of Man in the 1960s and in 2010 were named the smallest production car ever built in the book of Guinness World Records.

Alex got the car three years ago from a man in Wales after becoming obsessed with them when he saw Jeremy Clarkson drive one on the TV show Top Gear.

The car was built in 2017 but is based on the original design from the first production models in the 1960s.

Alex, from East Sussex, England said: “I saw the P50 on an episode of Top Gear when Jeremy Clarkson was driving it and I was completely captivated by it.

“I am a vintage car enthusiast - I have had a 1914 Model T and a 1968 Morris Minor.

“I got fixated on this idea of having a P50 but when I saw an original was £100,000 ($135,000) it kind of killed it off.

“Then three years ago I bought one of the newer ones from a guy in Wales, so I’m only the second owner.

“The newer ones were made in 2017 and they are a bit more eco-friendly.”

Alex, who is 5ft 11in, crams in the car for 100 miles a day and said people are amazed when they see the tiny motor.

He has taken on the challenge to raise money for BBC Children in Need and is being supported by a pal who is following along in a campervan where all his things are kept.

The P50 was transported to the start point in John O'Groats in the back of the campervan.

Alex, said: “When Peel found out I was planning to do the trip they put a new engine in it for me.

“Its top speed is about 23mph – it’ll cruise along nicely at that but nearer 30mph it shakes itself to pieces.

“It wasn’t made for long journeys which is what makes this such a challenge.

“I am 5ft 11in and you’re pretty much sitting on the floor with your knees jammed either side of the steering wheel.

“As far as I know I am the first person to attempt the journey in a P50.

“We should reach Land’s End in about two or three weeks, we are stopping off a lot to talk to people about the car and the trip.

“The journey is about 870 miles but I think it will nearer 1,000 with the stops.

“When people see the car they get so excited.

“Wherever I park it, it draws a crowd, people are amazed by this car – and not just car people it has a universal appeal with everyone, even kids."

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(Katielee Arrowsmith via SWNS)

(Katielee Arrowsmith via SWNS)

(Katielee Arrowsmith via SWNS)

(Katielee Arrowsmith via SWNS)

(Katielee Arrowsmith via SWNS)

(Katielee Arrowsmith via SWNS)

(Katielee Arrowsmith via SWNS)

(Katielee Arrowsmith via SWNS)

“You have to be a sociable person to drive this car because people are always stopping to talk to you and take pictures.

“It always steals the show.

“I’ll be proud and relived if we make it to the end without anything going wrong, but it’s about the journey, not the destination.”

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