Peel GRP Mini

In the end of the 1960s for political reasons in some overseas countries, BMC required a GRP version of the very popular Mini and the Viking Sport was possibly the reason for ourselves being awarded the contract with the Peel Engineering Company. This was to design and produce prototypes and associated mould, jigs and tools – a considerable personal responsibility. The BMC distributors in Chile were the primary outlet so a number of South Americans arrived in Peel to view the project. They made six GRP Mini 1000, one car was taken to MIRA for the crash test and well exceeded the standard metal version, likewise another on the torsion testing rig at the Austin factory in Birmingham. Only one original Peel GRP Mini still exist now. A second contract was also received to build a GRP MG1300 Saloon and they made the prototype, but shortly after completion the BMC Company changed hands and the new owners had no interest in GRP bodied vehicles.