Review written on 5/1954.
Some say we're never kind enough to Philadelphia Motors. Face it, we don't pull our punches when it comes to vehicle reviews. Just look at what we call the R4047. That doesn't mean we don't sing praises when someone makes a good Microcar like the 4618. So where does the Gray Squirrel stand in the Microcar segment? After spending a few days with the Gray Squirrel. We have made our judgment.

The first stop for the Philadelphia Motors Gray Squirrel was the track. I won't lie. I was scared. This Microcar is built for performance. Philadelphia Motors cut no corners when designing this vehicle for speed. The vomit stains on the carpet prove that the 38 hp @ 2912RPMs 905 cc Radial5 engine roars this rocket to a top speed of 90 mph in an impressive 27.249s 0 to 60 mph. The engine puts out 56 lb-ft of torque making it able to tow 22 lbs which is average for this class. I'm guilty wanting to steal this one for my self. Compared to its peers in the Microcar class the Philadelphia Motors Gray Squirrel selling point should not be driveability. The Gray Squirrel offers bare bones handling. There is just enough grip in the wheels to keep you from flying off the side of a cliff... But not much. On the track, it is not much better.

When it comes to comforts and luxury, the Philadelphia Motors Gray Squirrel isn't going to win any awards. It barely meets what you need in a vehicle. The seats are hard and uncomfortable for long trips. Features are a little barren, but it has the basic necessities. Material quality leaves a bit to be desired. We would not pay a premium price for this interior finish, but if you're looking for A to B transportation, it is almost tolerable.

12 cu-ft is all the space you get in the Philadelphia Motors Gray Squirrel. So you should forget about how practical this vehicle is. You're not going to run to the grocery store in it.

The workmanship put into the Philadelphia Motors Gray Squirrel is unparalleled in this market. From its hand finished panelling to ultrahigh quality materials the Gray Squirrel is truly a work of art that should last a life time. It seems Philadelphia Motors has perfected the perfect.

Dog is said to be man's best friend. But that saying isn't true anymore. I propose the Philadelphia Motors Gray Squirrel is truly man's best friend. Not once in our long term testing did it need repair. This vehicle was built to last a life time. It is truly a wonder of the world. Centuries from now people will still probably be driving this thing, that's how rock solid it is.

When it came to fuel economy testing we tried to see how far we could go in the Philadelphia Motors Gray Squirrel. Our goal was to run it out of fuel. We tried and we failed. Even when the Gray Squirrel fuel gauge was below E, it kept going! Befuddled at this we asked Philadelphia Motors engineers how this is possible. They showed us their Motor Bunny fuel system, which just keeps going and going and going and going for an impressive 45.5 mpg. In one word, amazing.

While the Philadelphia Motors Gray Squirrel is certainly impressive in term of safety, it's not overly designed in this fashion in a way that would imped its enjoyment. Never the less this vehicle is more than safe enough for even the most uptight and poor drivers among us.

When it comes down to it, the Philadelphia Motors Gray Squirrel is one of the best Microcar on the market. For almost everyone on the looking for a Microcar, you won't find a much better vehicle than the Gray Squirrel. It testing team was astonished by the results. We give it our total and complete recommendation.