Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Chassis No: 534475
Mot Expiry: None

Founded in 1935 by Tom Williams, Reliant was to become famous for the quirkiness and resourcefulness of its designs. After years of producing frugal and efficient three-wheeled commercial vehicles, the Tamworth-based concern exhibited its first passenger car, the Regal, at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show. Based on a 74-inch wheelbase box-section chassis and powered by an Austin 7 derived 747cc sidevalve four-cylinder engine, the MKI was bodied in aluminium over an ash frame. Equipped with a single windscreen wiper, Perspex side screens and convertible hood, the diminutive four-seater Reliant could be driven on a motorcycle licence. Introduced in late 1954, the MK2 version was initially little changed. However, from the following year onwards it could be as a fixed head complete with fibreglass hardtop, bonnet lid and rear end. Allying many of the benefits of a `full size' car to motorcycle like running costs, the Reliant Regal evolved through six series before being replaced by the Regal 3/25 in 1962 (the latter eschewing a separate steel chassis in favour of a fibreglass monocoque).

Finished in blue, this particular example is offered for sale as a restoration project. A late MK2 with the added benefit of a fibreglass hard-top, it is summed-up by the seller as being "perfect for the discerning micro car owner who thinks that he / she has everything". The market for bubble cars and other types of micro car has enjoyed something of a renaissance over the last few years and Britain's own proud history within the field is all too often overlooked. Offered for sale with an old style logbook (but not currently registered with the DVLA), this Regal could be your perfect introduction to the Reliant Owners' Club?

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an old buff logbook showing the registration number POY 497.