The Reliant Regal is a small three-wheeled car and van that was manufactured from 1952 to 1973 by the Reliant Motor Company in Tamworth, England, replacing the earlier Reliant Regent three-wheeled cyclecar van which had its origins in a design bought by Reliant from the Raleigh Bicycle Company.This particular car started life as a 3/30 – the 3/30 model is named as such because the 3 represents the 3 wheels and the 30 represents the 30bhp available to the discerning Regal driver.
source.image: idriveaclassic
Although the brochure does only promise 29bhp.Regals MkI–MkII had aluminium bodies and 747-cc side-valve engines. However, during the 1950s, the price of aluminium increased markedly across Europe. In response, Reliant developed an expertise in making panels of glass fibre which piece by piece replaced the aluminium panels, until the 1956 Mark 3 Regal featured a wholly glass fibre body.
Metallic paint finish in three glamour tones, although this one has been repainted to match a B&Q shade chart; which I love. Carpet covered heelboards, carpeted footwell surrounds, interior paintwork matched to exterior, for reference, this basically meant internal bits were painted in the grey primer colour which sat under the paint. Luxury interior trim fittings, ammeter in chrome bezel, chrome plated boot hinges and an oil pressure gauge; once again sitting in the chrome bezel.
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Padded sun visors which swivel for both driver and passenger, chromed over riders to front and rear, Lucas spot and Lucas fog. You’ll note the spots on the front are both spots and not a fog – this is a deliberate choice to keep it looking symmetrical and smart. Chromed hubcaps, decorative full circle wheel trims for rear wheels and a locking petrol cap.
