![]() As a result many people have wanted their own version of the vehicle and buy a Reliant to paint yellow with similar sign writing, there is nothing wrong with that. In the program, the main characters drive a battered old yellow Reliant Regal Supervan II* with “Trotters Independent Traders” on the side of it. In the UK there is a TV comedy series by the BBC called “Only Fools and Horses”. It is this strange belief that all Reliant 3-wheelers are Robins that has created a unique phenomenon surrounding Reliant 3-wheeled vehicles as many people think there is only one model. Even when B&N Plastics created a Reliant under license one Reliant had closed its doors in 2001, their new vehicle became the Reliant Robin BN1. This was then replaced by the Reliant Robin (Mk III) in 1999. For many however the Robin name had stuck and Rialtos were being called Robins and so in 1989 Reliant reintroduced the Reliant Robin (Mk II) to replace the Rialto. The first Robin (the Mk 1) was manufactured from 1973 to 1981 and was replaced by the wedged shaped Reliant Rialto. It was perhaps due to the popularity of the name “Reliant Robin” that Reliant reintroduced the Robin in 1989. Some Reliants even get double barreled names so a Reliant Rialto becomes a “Robin Reliant Rialto” such is the notion that Reliant is always preceded by Robin. Up until this point Reliants were Reliants and not called “Regal Reliant” or “Regent Reliant”. It’s a bit like calling all Ford cars regardless of model, “Fiesta Ford” after all they all have four wheels so they must be the same? Strangely, it is a relatively modern term as Reliant were founded in 1935 and the Reliant Robin was not introduced until 1973. All the models are very distinctive in their shape yet all get called “Robin Reliant”. Regardless if the vehicle is a Reliant Regal, a Reliant Rialto, Reliant Regent or a Reliant Ant. Name aside though, the term Robin Reliant goes one step further because not only do some people think Reliant Robins are Robin Reliants but they think all 3-wheeled Reliants are. When the Reliant Robin was at its peak in the 1970’s, Robin was a very popular name, it may have been more natural for people to use that word first? Having said that, how many of you have heard of the Diane Citroën, the Sharan Volkswagen, the Austin Ford or the Martin Aston? It isn’t just a name in day to day conversation the same incorrect name can be found in magazines, newspapers and in TV programs.Īnother possible explanation is that Robin is a forename. For those who do not drive them, the name has just stuck in their heads (along with “plastic pig”). ![]() My initial guess is that it has probably came from some one like Jasper Carrot, a comedian who jokes about the vehicles and often refers to them as Robin Reliants. ![]() Where the term Robin Reliant originates from I do not know but it must have been from some thing that a mass audience absorbed as so many people use the term within the UK. ![]() For the Reliant though many people are convinced they are called “Robin Reliants”, presumably made by Robin? In this sense therefore the Robin Reliant doesn’t actually exist – but the Reliant Robin does. What car do you drive, perhaps a Mondeo Ford, a Carrera Porsche, a Polo Volkswagen or maybe a 75 Rover? It sounds strange doesn’t it, adding the car model before the brand name. Robin Reliant - the car that doesn’t exist The official website for the Reliant Motor Club ![]()
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