Cars with history: Reliant Regal Robin

Many of you may not know the brand Reliant or its Regal model, but you will surely recognise the vehicle in the photo, which was made famous in the MR. Bean series. This charming three-wheeler was always crossing Mr. Bean’s path.

Well, that three-wheeler is the Reliant Regal (the one in the photo is from 1973). The British marque Reliant has many years of history behind it, since its founding in 1935 by TL Williams, who at that time was making a three-wheeled delivery bicycle (under the Raleigh brand).

However, the company’s most important era came from 1952 onwards, when four-seater models began to be sold, as famous as this Reliant Regal. The Regal had a 600cc four-cylinder engine (until 1963 sourced from the Austin 7), and later, in 1969, a 750 cc engine was introduced (of its own manufacture).

Without a doubt, the most important year for Reliant was 1973, when the updated version of the Regal was presented. The Reliant Regal Robin (like the one in the photos) became the most famous car in Great Britain and even a symbol of identity. Later the Regal received changes – a new 850 cc engine – and other modifications to the chassis, and it continued on sale until 1999.

In the 1990s Reliant had several problems, being bought by various consortiums and production being interrupted on several occasions. Even so, in 2000 the Reliant Regal Robins Special Edition (Robin 65) was launched, with 65 numbered units, to commemorate the model’s 65th anniversary. (The Regal in the bottom photo is the MK1, the first of the series, from 1953.)

In 2001 the company’s rights were sold to B&N Plastics, and in 2002 production ceased. Reliant now handles the import of vehicles such as Piaggio, Bultaco and Ligier. It is certainly a shame that Reliant met this end, because it was a very important company in Great Britain.

It also produced other four-wheeled models, including even a sports car. In the gallery you can see some photos of the Reliant Regal Robin in its different versions and from different years. The van version was very successful in Great Britain.

Source | Wikipedia and Pages.zoom.co.uk
More info on Reliant models | Wikipedia