THE RELIANT REGAL 3/25 AT SIXTY

This year sees many automotive anniversaries and one that should not be overlooked is the 60th birthday of the Reliant Regal 3/25. It came to epitomise the British three-wheeler and represented mobility for countless families. Plus, as all readers doubtless know, there is no such car as a ‘Robin Reliant’.

The Tamworth concern replaced the Regal Mk. IV with the 3/25 (so-called for its three wheels and 25bhp output) in October of 1962. The ambitious specification included a steel chassis, a new all-aluminium 600cc OHV engine capable of over 60 mph and, most notably of all, new coachwork. Reliant promised an “excitingly styled, rustless, fibre-glass body”.

It should also be remembered that before 1963 only drivers who held a full car licence were entitled to have a reverse gear on their 3-wheeler. This made parking a Reliant highly entertaining for those owners with just a motorcycle licence.

1963 saw Reliant gain valuable publicity when the motorcycle racing champion Cecil Sandford took a 3/25 to the Monte Carlo Rally. Motor Cycle magazine of the 11th of June 1964 found the Regal’s engine to have “plenty of zip”. At £471 4s 2d, including windscreen washers and a heater, the Reliant also represented excellent value for the motorist who a) lacked a car licence and b) needed to transport his/her family.

The Regal gained a facelift, devised by Ogle Design, in October of 1965 and the sales copy emphasised the financial benefits of ‘Super’ 3/25 ownership. “No 4th wheel. So?...So you’re £1 10s a week better off”, and a new Reliant could be driven with a motorcycle licence which cost “fifteen bob every three years”’ to renew.

By that time, the Regal was the UK’s dominant three-wheel vehicle. The bubble car era was now over while the rival the Bond Minicar Mark G would cease production in 1966. As for the replacement 875, it never seemed to find a niche with buyers and in February 1969 Reliant acquired their Preston-based competitor.

Meanwhile, the ‘Supervan’ debuted in 1966, with50 cu ft, of load space for just £396 10s. In the following year, the Regal gained a slightly more powerful engine. 1967 also marked the launch of the 21E, which featured 31 extras as standard. These included a steering wheel cover in simulated black leather, fog and spot lamps, and - for that vital ‘Swinging London’ touch - a choice of four metallic paint finishes.

The 1969 model year saw the introduction of the 700cc 3/30. Better still, if you wanted one that would cut a dash in smart society, the dealer ‘Two Strokes Ltd.’ could transform your saloon into a ‘GT’ or your Supervan into a ‘Safari’, with a black roof and polished wheel trims.

By the time the Robin replaced the Regal in 1973 Reliant sold over 100,000 examples.

Perhaps the best summary of its appeal is from that Motor Cycle test:

The car has an air of individuality which no mass-produced four-wheeler can attain; after a relatively short acquaintance, a driver becomes very attached to it. Furthermore, there seems to be a camaraderie among Reliant owners even closer than that of the motor-cycling fraternity.