Reliant Robin
| Reliant Robin | |
|---|---|
1999–2001 Robin
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Reliant |
| Production | 1973–81 (UK) 1989–2001 (UK revamped) 2001–02 (B&N Plastics) |
| Assembly |
Tamworth, England Athens, Greece (1974–78, under licence) Burntwood, England |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | City car |
| Body style | 2½-door 3-wheel saloon with large opening rear window 3-door 3-wheel estate 3-door 3-wheel hatchback |
| Layout | FMR Front-mid engine with rear wheel drive |
| Related | Reliant Robin van Reliant Kitten Reliant Rialto |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 748 cc and 848 cc OHV light alloy straight-4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual all-synchromesh |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 85 in (2,159 mm) |
| Length | 131 in (3,327 mm) (saloon) |
| Width | 56 in (1,422 mm) |
| Height | 54 in (1,372 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Reliant Regal |
| Successor | Reliant Rialto |
The Reliant Robin was a small three-wheeled car formerly manufactured by the Reliant Motor Company in Tamworth, England. It was produced in several versions (Mk1, Mk2 & Mk3) over the course of 30 years. It is the second most popular fibreglass car in history, with Reliant Motor Company being the second biggest UK-owned car manufacturer for a time.
The Robin was first manufactured in October 1973 as a direct replacement for the Reliant Regal. These models feature a 750cc engine, but in 1975, the car gained a number of improvements including an engine boost to 850cc. The Reliant Robin was well received in the 1970s because of good design executed by Ogle Design, (who had previously designed the Bond Bug, and Reliant Scimitar) and affordable price, considering 70 mpg and 85 mph is possible, and orders increased with the 1970s fuel crisis. The final original version of the Robin rolled off the production line in 1982, and after a number of limited editions, including the GBS and the Jubilee, it was replaced by the restyled Reliant Rialto designed by IAD in Worthing, UK. The vehicle was also produced under license in Greece by MEBEA between 1974 and 1978, and it was manufactured in India by Sunrise Automotive Industries Limited as the "Badal".
In 1989, Reliant revived the Robin name, producing a new and totally revamped Robin featuring a new fibreglass body featuring a hatchback, with later an estate and van joining the range. The Rialto continued in production alongside the new Robin until 1998 as purely a cheaper model in saloon, estate and van models also. Later on in production, the Robin received new, 12 inch wheels, improved brakes (from the original mini) and an improved interior with new dials and interior trim. Reliant also started offering an unleaded engine (shown by having a green rocker cover) which features different stem seals. As well as this, the new models joined the range with the LX, SLX, BRG, and Royale models. Royale and BRG models were top of the range, and cost over £9,000. New colours such as metallic silver, British racing green, royal blue and nightfire red were used, along with a range of retro-style optional extras such as minilite alloy wheels and jaguar custom seat patterns, which then became available on all Robin models.
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Wikipedia