TOP GEAR SENDS BEAULIEU ITS P45

Awesome first episode in new series of Top Gear

For the first instalment of the 19th series, Jeremy returned to our screens in possibly the strangest mode of motoring transport viewers have yet seen. Following the mass popularity of his video demonstrating the many benefits of the world’s smallest car, the Peel P50, the big man was set a new challenge. His mission? To create and drive a car even smaller than the Peel P50. The result? The brilliant yet bonkers P45 micro car.

A team of talented students from Coventry University’s Automotive Design course were commissioned to work on styling, whilst the aluminium bodywork was hand crafted by the people who make the fabulous Petersen Bentley. Showing extraordinary attention to detail, the P45 was painted with blue twin stripes, paying homage to legendary AC Cobra creator, Carroll Shelby. Fortunately for Shelby, that was where the similarities between the two cars ended.

Ever the professional, Jeremy embarked on an extensive road test of the vehicle, which saw him driving at top speeds of around 30mph on the A3, taking the vehicle onboard a coach to London... to demonstrate how easy it is to get onboard a train, and then driving it through Westfield Shopping Centre and the British Library. Despite its many, many shortcomings, including a microscopic fuel tank, high risk of nose-smashing and inability to get through a car wash without jamming the machinery and soaking the driver’s suit, Jeremy then entered the Dragon’s Den, seeking investment from the dragons for mass production – their verdict was a unanimous and resounding “I’m out”.

Throughout the test drive, Jeremy was singing its praises, describing the car simply as “completely excellent”. Richard and James, however, were a little less enthusiastic, preferring to call it “utterly ridiculous” and “a complete death trap”. The P45 is now on display at Beaulieu’s World of Top Gear exhibition, where visitors can make a thorough inspection of the car and decide for themselves whether it is ingenious... or just plain insane.

The unique motor joins a whole host of cars at Beaulieu created by the Top Gear presenters for some of their most ambitious challenges. Another recent addition is the budget Bond Lotus Excel submarine car from the 50 Years of Bond Cars special and the collection is awaiting the arrival of another new creation from Series 19, due to be unveiled shortly.

The ‘Enormodrome’ recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio with regular features from the programme, including the Cool Wall and the Celebrity ‘Lap Times’ board, kept up to date in line with the show. Visitors can also watch behind-the-scenes footage of the Top Gear production zone and clips of some of the best Top Gear moments.

World of Top Gear can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction which also includes the National Motor Museum, BOND IN MOTION, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey.

Source: Beaulieu

Available from Veloce!
the little book of microcars
By Adam Quellin
During the middle of the twentieth century, a plethora of small economy cars – often quirky and bizarre – emerged to meet the needs of the cash-strapped motorist. This book charts the history and development of these microcars, from the lean period after the Second World War right up to the present day.
More info.

RM AUCTIONS TO SELL ENTIRE INVENTORY OF BRUCE WEINER MICROCAR MUSEUM

Hundreds of microcars and memorabilia, to be offered without reserve, February 15-16, 2013. More info at handlewithfun.com.


Bruce Weiner amassed what is probably the world’s finest collection of miniature vehicles over many years of assiduous collecting. His museum in Madison, Georgia, USA, will be the venue for the sale.



The collection includes the world’s smallest car (a 1964 Peel P-50) several bubble cars by Messerschmitt, Isetta and Goggomobil, and two Voisin Biscooters, extraordinary microcars built by French aviation and automotive engineer Gabriel Voisin.

Source: RM Auctions

From Veloce!
the little book of microcars
By Adam Quellin.

During the middle of the twentieth century, a plethora of small economy cars – often quirky and bizarre – emerged to meet the needs of the cash-strapped motorist. This book charts the history and development of these microcars, from the lean period after the Second World War right up to the present day. More info.

A MEMORABLE VALENTINES DAY DRIVE

The Danacol 'Heart Car' made by Sculpture Studios.

the little book of microcars
By Adam Quellin

During the middle of the twentieth century, a plethora of small economy cars – often quirky and bizarre – emerged to meet the needs of the cash-strapped motorist. This book charts the history and development of these microcars, from the lean period after the Second World War right up to the present day. More info.

MICROCARS - 'DISTURBINGLY COMPELLING'

The little book of microcars by Adam Quellin is reviewed in Classic Cars magazine. At just £4.99, this little book would make a super stocking filler this Christmas!

Remember, the truly great thing about giving books at Christmas is ... they're ever so easy to wrap!
Click here for more info about the book.

THE LITTLE BOOK OF MICROCARS

A new blog header picture today, this time from our newly published book, the little book of microcars, the smallest book in the Veloce catalogue along with the little book of smart. This great photos shows a line-up of colourful Peels standing smartly to attention.

During the middle of the twentieth century, a plethora of small economy cars – often quirky and bizarre – emerged to meet the needs of the cash-strapped motorist. At just 14cm sq, this book charts the history and development of these microcars, from the lean period after the Second World War right up to the present day.

Available now, priced just £4.99.