'From the Maine Classic Car Museum Collection'
1957 Reliant Regal MkIII

The Scottsdale Auction|25 January 2024, 10:00 MST|Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

1957 Reliant Regal MkIII
Chassis no. 561051

747cc Side Valve Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Downdraft Carburetor
16bhp
4-Speed Manual Synchromesh Gearbox
Single Front Swingarm and Coil-Over Damper, Live Rear Axle with Leaf Springs
Three-Wheel Drum Brakes

*A uniquely charming microcar
*Powered by a mighty 747cc 'four
*The most fun you can have on 3 wheels

THE RELIANT REGAL

Reliant Engineering Co. of Two Gates, Tamworth, England was established in 1935, producing three-wheeled delivery vans powered by 747cc Austin Seven engines. Reliant later took engine production in house, and in 1952, released their first passenger car, the not-ironically named Regal. With a box section chassis, ash-framed aluminum body, and 16bhp, it took some doing to push a Regal to 60 miles per hour, but it was an efficient and practical city car. In 1956, the Regal was redesigned with an ash-framed fiberglass body (used on all subsequent Reliants), with saloon or open tourer configuration. Reliant later released its own all-aluminum engine, and the Regal remained in production until 1973 when the Robin took its place. Benefits of the three-wheeled Reliant were that it could be run with a motorcycle license to save on road tax, it was economical to run, yet was more car-like than rivals such as the Bond Minicar.

THE CAR OFFERED

The "regal" Regal Tourer offered here is a Mark III model, featuring Reliant's first application of fiberglass coachwork. Finished in a delightful mint green, it is presented in good overall condition with a light patina that encourages enjoyment. The consignor reports the seats were recently reupholstered in deep red, which provides a lovely contrast against the green body. This Regal Mk III features an Austin-derived engine, which sits near the middle of the chassis, punching 16 horsepower through a synchronized 4-speed manual transmission. Please note that at the time of cataloguing, there is no soft-top accompanying the car. If ever there was a car that proves you don't need big power (or even four wheels) to have big fun, the Reliant Regal is it.

Additional information

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