A 1965 Peel Trident is one of the more diminutive highlights of RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction on August 18-19.

The miniature motor originates from the Isle of Man, UK, where it was produced in a run of 45 between 1964 and 1966.

The Peel Trident can supposedly accommodate two people 

The explosion of sci-fi movies and TV shows in the 1960s fuelled an obsession with bubble cars. It remains the ultimate retro-futurist trope.

The Trident was marketed under the suitably optimistic tagline: “Your transport of tomorrow – today.”

Another piece of promotional material billed it as offering “saloon car comfort with scooter cost.” It does feature two seats, although both driver and passenger would need to be fairly slim.

Despite its impracticality, the car is hugely popular among collectors due to its rarity and stunning 1960s styling.

The lot is valued in the region of $100,000.   

The Trident was the follow-up to Peel’s P50 – the world’s smallest ever production car.

The P50 is just 54 inches in length and weighs 59kg, meaning you can carry it if you get bored of driving (there’s even a handle on the back).

One sold for $176,000 at RM Sotheby’s last year, a sum that would get you a very nice Ferrari.

The auction will also feature the equally weird 1953 Abarth 1100 Sport.

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