Everything You Need To Know About The Volkswagen Pea Car, A Quirky Gem

Unlike most cars, the Pea Car was never intended for production or public sale. In fact, it was not even a concept car. It was the brainchild of two creative minds, Matt Waller and Dave Monk, who worked together at the advertising agency BBH London. This unique vehicle was purposefully designed for a television commercial, showcasing their imaginative approach to advertising. Commissioned by Birds Eye, a renowned American brand of frozen foods, this promotional car was a star in a 2005 ad campaign.

A Glimpse into the Pea Car's Design

The Volkswagen Pea Car, resembling the shape of a sweet pea, was constructed by London-based special effects company Asylum. It was built upon a modified chassis sourced from an off-road go-kart and featured a Honda engine that propelled it to a top speed of over 60 miles per hour (97 kph). The car's shiny green body, with a license plate bearing the word "Pea," caught the attention of onlookers.

A Blend of Unique Parts

While the Pea Car might evoke memories of a Volkswagen vehicle, the only part taken from the German automaker's classic design was the set of headlights borrowed from a VW Beetle. Other components, such as the Lancia indicators and the wing mirrors sourced from a specialist shop, were carefully selected to create this distinct vehicle. All other parts, including the fiberglass body panels, were custom-made for the Pea Car.

An Unconventional Marketing Campaign

Weighing in at approximately 1,653 pounds (750 kilograms), the Pea Car was meticulously designed to resemble a pea and convey an important message about healthy eating. The car was featured in a Birds Eye Peas commercial, aiming to remind people of the importance of incorporating vegetables into their diet. Throughout the ad, the Pea Car shed its body parts one by one, symbolizing the loss of nutrients in fresh produce over time.

The Journey from Creation to Display

The construction of the Pea Car took six weeks of dedicated work, with every detail carefully executed. Once its role in the commercial was fulfilled, the car made appearances in various museums and exhibitions, including the National Motor Museum in the United Kingdom. Currently, it can be seen on display at the Unilever Ice Cream and Frozen Foods Co. in Walton on Thames.

A Symbol of Charm and Desirability

Despite its whimsical design and impractical nature, the Pea Car captured the hearts of many viewers who were charmed by its uniqueness. Several individuals expressed interest in purchasing a Pea Car, unaware that it was a one-off creation specifically designed for the commercial. Furthermore, the Pea Car was not street-legal, and the roads seen in the ad were closed off during filming to ensure safety.

Pea Car Fun Facts and Trivia

The Pea Car, a true gem of automotive history, has its fair share of fascinating details. It was designed to fall apart while driving, with twelve detachable green-painted panels that included the sunroof, doors, hub caps, rear bumper, wing mirror, and exhaust. The car's transformation in the commercial showcased the Pea Car's ability to shed these parts, emphasizing the idea of freshness and nutrient loss.

While the Pea Car itself remains a one-of-a-kind creation, its legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of the commercial it starred in. The ad campaign successfully conveyed Birds Eye's message of the importance of incorporating vegetables into one's diet, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and encouraging healthier eating habits.

Final Thoughts

The Volkswagen Pea Car stands as a whimsical gem from automotive history. A product of creative advertising, it captured the imagination of audiences with its unique design and playful concept. While the Pea Car may not have hit the production line, its impact and charm continue to make it a memorable part of automotive and advertising folklore.