In 1953 Reliant introduced their two door, four seater Regal MkI, a brand new car with aluminium and glassfibre reinforced plastic bodywork, on a strong steel chassis. It was a convertible with a glasfibre hardtop and it used the 748cc side-valve engine, which produced 14hp, allowing a top speed of 50mph.

The car was buil to comply with the goverments arbitrary 8cwt weight limit, so that the owners could take advantage of concessionaire road tax and driving licence requirements.

Additionally, a bunch of owners did disable the reverse gear by mounting a steel plate at the gear selector. The result ? The owner didn't need to pass a car drivers test which was otherwise still needed if running the 3-wheeler licensed as motorcycle.

This also was the reason why standard equipment and interior trim was down to a minimum. Even the spare wheel was listed as an extra.

The Regal series was loved by many people because the unusual combination of qualities results from it's makers aim to produce a normal car on three wheels rather than a miniature vehicle.

All models had a very small bonnet, intended to allow only water and oil check, while further engine maintenece had to be done by accessing the engine from inside the car.

Soon the Regal Mk2 followed the initial model, allowing the customer to choose between saloon, drophead coupe and van bodywork.

In 1956 Reliant introduced the Mk3, which was the first completly glassfibre bodied car Reliant ever build. Even more, it was the first quantity poduced GRP bodied car at least in the UK.

2 years later, in 1958, the Regal Mk4 was produced, having wind-down windows and another year later the Mk5 version left factory doors, available with saloon and van bodywork, introducing the top hinged laguage boot for the 3-wheeler.

The 1961 Regal Mk6 with raised roofline to increase head room for the passengers, was the last one with side-valve engine, to be successed by the

Regal Mk6a with Reliants new OHV engine in 1962.

Not a year later the Regal thereafter was replaced by the totaly new bodies, but similar powered Regal 3/25.

Although Reliant Regals are not much loved cars, a rare drophead coupe in good condition will cost up to £3000. The more common models you can get for somewhere between free and £100.

Reliant Owners Club
Secretary:
Mr. G. Chappell
19 Smithey Close
High Gree
Sheffield
S30 4FO
Tel: ++44 (0)114 - 284.8138

Raleigh Safety Seven & Early Reliant Owners Club
Membership Secretary:
Mick Sleap
17 Courtland Avenue
Chingford
London
E4 6DU