LOT 385

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection 1950 Reliant Prince Regent Trade Van Registration no. MTV 878 Frame no. 462469 Engine no. 6511

Sold for £8,625 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 385

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection, 1950 Reliant Prince Regent Trade Van

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection
1950 Reliant Prince Regent Trade Van
Registration no. MTV 878
Frame no. 462469
Engine no. 6511

Nottingham-based Raleigh experimented with cars in the Edwardian period and the 1920s, but it was not until 1933 that its first car entered production. The Raleigh Safety Seven tricycle deployed one wheel at the front and two at the back, an arrangement that allowed more room for passengers than in the rival Morgan three-wheeler. An air-cooled 742cc v-twin motorcycle engine provided the power; the transmission though, was more 'car-conventional', comprising a three-speeds-and-reverse gearbox, single-plate dry clutch, and shaft drive to the rear axle. Up front the single wheel was steered via a motorcycle-type girder fork.

When Raleigh ceased manufacture of its Safety Seven trike in 1936, designer Tom Williams set up Reliant Engineering to continue production in van form, at first with a JAP engine rather than the original Raleigh v-twin. Motorcycle power units were soon abandoned in favour of the four-cylinder Austin Seven engine, production and development of the latter being taken over by Reliant in 1939. This wonderfully presented example is liveried 'A.R.E. Ltd Purveyors of Motor Parts' and has been on display at the Jurby Museum. 'MTV 878' is recorded on the HPi database however there is no paperwork offered with it.

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The engine number stamped to the vehicle plaque and bell housing is 6511. The engine number stamped to the main engine block is 8880. This lot is offered with a V5C, green continuation logbook, Reliant Commercial Vehicle instruction book, brochure, The Commercial Motor insert on the Reliant CWT van from March 1952, old MoT certificates, pre-restoration photos and restoration photos. Tony bought the Reliant 1988 from Chipping Sodbury (where it was liveried as J Goodfield & Sons) and gave it a total restoration, including repainting the chassis, a new ash body and new roof covering.

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