RELIANT

1974 Reliant Robin

The Reliant Robin was a small three wheeled car formerly manufactured by the Reliant motor Company in Tamworth, England. Being a three-wheeler with an official weight below 450 kg (992 lb), and, despite its size, the Robin can be driven by holders of a B1 category licence or car licence in the United kingdom, can be registered and taxed at motorcycle rates, which gives considerable savings over a conventional car. The single wheel in the front steers, while the engine (also in the front) drives the rear axle.

The Robin was first manufactured in November 1973, and the final original Robin rolled off the production line in 1981, when the model was replaced by the restyled Reliant Rialto. The vehicle was also produced under licence in Greece by MEBEA between 1974 and 1978. It was also manufactured in India by Sunrise Automotive Industries Ltd as Badal.

In 1989, Reliant revived the Robin name, producing a new and totally revamped Robin featuring a new fibreglass body, and increased engine power. The Rialto continued in production alongside the new Robin until 1998. This Robin was facelifted again in 1999 when the final version was launched that had its biggest change since originally launched with completely new panels, and Opel Corsa front lamps. Designed by Andy Plumb (now of LA:UK Design Ltd) this hatchback-only model lasted until February 2001 when Reliant announced the end of production. The final sixty-five Robins designed in 1999 manufactured by Reliant formed a Special Edition known as the Robin 65, featuring leather trim, walnut interior, and a numbered plaque, and sold for approximately £10,000. Manufacturing of the Robin resumed under licence by a company called B&N Plastics in July 2001, but stopped in October 2002.

1994 Reliant Robin