Reliant

The Reliant Regal was a small three-wheeled car and van produced by the Reliant Motor Company in Tamworth, England. It replaced the earlier Reliant Regent, itself based on a design acquired from the Raleigh Bicycle Company. Weighing under 356 kg, the Regal qualified as a “tricycle” under UK law and could be driven with a full motorcycle licence. The first Regal appeared in 1953, with several quick updates through the early 1960s. Early models used aluminium body panels over a wooden frame, but as aluminium prices rose, Reliant switched to fibreglass - first partly, then fully by the 1956 Mk III. This kept the Regal light, efficient, and affordable.

In October 1962, the Regal 3/25 (Mk VII) introduced Reliant’s own 600 cc all-aluminium OHV engine, a new steel chassis, and a one-piece bonded fibreglass body. It came as a saloon, estate, pickup, or van. In 1968, a 701 cc engine replaced the 600 cc unit with the Reliant 3/30, bringing modest performance gains. Special versions like the Regal 21E added luxury touches such as chrome bumpers, metallic paint, and extra gauges. Production continued until 1973, when the Regal was succeeded by the Reliant Robin, continuing Reliant’s legacy of lightweight three-wheelers.