A VINTAGE car enthusiast has driven the length of the UK in the world’s smallest car.
Alex Orchin, who is nearly 6ft tall, set off from John O'Groats on November 13 and reached Land's End on Saturday, a journey of 874 miles.
The 31-year-old, from Wivelsfield, did it in a three-wheeler Peel P50 with a top speed of 23mph.
The three-week challenge was part of a fundraiser for BBC Children In Need, which has made more than £8,000 to date.
During the journey in the 134cm long, 98cm wide and 100cm high vehicle, Alex made a number of stops including at motor museums, his former student digs and a visit to Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat farm in Chipping Norton.
Alex said his interest in P50 cars came about after he saw the former Top Gear presenter drive one.
On arrival at Land's End, Alex said: "I can't believe we're actually here.
"The Peel P50 has done over 1,400 miles since we left John O'Groats. I can’t believe that little car has managed that. What an achievement.
"It's been the most remarkable experience, all the places we have visited, the people we have met, the places we got invited to. The fact that it's over now just feels weird.”
Alex ran into several issues throughout the three-week journey, including the loss of a door.
He had to cable-tie himself into the vehicle for the last 50 miles and was forced to complete the journey in one single push.
Despite the setbacks, Alex remains obsessed with the car.
“I am vintage car enthusiast, I have had a 1914 Model T and a 1968 Morris Minor," he said.
“I got fixated on this idea of having a P50 but when I saw an original was £100,000 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.”
P50s were first made on the Isle of Man in the 1960s.
Alex’s car was built in 2017 but is based on the original design from the first production models in the 1960s.
Alex said people often get excited when they see him in the car.
“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.
“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.”
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