Reliant Other models
7 models in this series
Reliant – other models: the collective page for three-wheeled transporters outside the named series, from the Ant to the Super Van II, 848 cc, four cylinders
Reliant Motor Company, based in Tamworth, England, was founded in 1935 and specialised in three-wheeled vehicles, which in Britain benefited from lower taxation and simpler registration than four-wheeled cars because of their light weight. This page gathers commercial vehicles outside the named series, from the early Ant through van derivatives based on the Robin and Regal to the Rialto Van and the Super Van II. Reliant built its own all-aluminium four-cylinder engine in-house, used across nearly all the marque's models for decades.
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The register lists seven versions with a constant 848 cc displacement and four cylinders, kerb weights from 390 to 728 kg and gross vehicle weights from 775 to 1,450 kg, at a width of 1,450 to 1,480 mm.
Reliant's three-wheeled vans occupied a niche in Britain between motorcycle combinations and conventional small vans, and were used mainly by tradesmen and small businesses for whom lower taxation and fuel economy were decisive. With the end of Britain's three-wheeler tax class, the concept lost relevance from the 1990s onward.
For a used purchase, the condition of the glass-fibre body and the chassis frame matters most, since the latter is prone to corrosion on older vehicles; the single front-wheel suspension also deserves particular attention. Parts for Reliant's own aluminium engine remain available through specialist clubs in Britain.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Reliant (weitere Modelle)
Models compared
5 of 5 models.
| 5 CWT VAN1967 | RIALTO VAN1990 | ROBIN 850 VAN1976-1982 | SHETLAND VAN1989-1992 | SUPER VAN II1971 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Wheelbase | 1,930 mm | 2,160 mm | 2,160 mm | 2,160 mm | 1,930 mm |
| Width | 1,480 mm | 1,470 mm | 1,470 mm | 1,450 mm | 1,480 mm |
| Unladen weight | 395 kg | 460 kg | 390 kg | 728 kg | 390 kg |
| Gross vehicle weight | 775 kg | 794 kg | 794 kg | 1,450 kg | 775 kg |
Models
Van in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
5 CWT VAN
The Reliant 5 CWT VAN is a vehicle built by Reliant. Production: 1967. The engine has 4 cylinders. The vehicle is...
RIALTO VAN
The RIALTO VAN comes from Reliant. Production: 1990. The engine has 4 cylinders. The vehicle is 1,470 mm wide. The...
ROBIN 850 VAN
The Reliant ROBIN 850 VAN is a vehicle built by Reliant. Production: 1976-1982. The engine has 4 cylinders. The...
SHETLAND VAN
The SHETLAND VAN comes from Reliant. Production: 1989-1992. The engine has 4 cylinders, with a displacement of 848...
SUPER VAN II
The Reliant SUPER VAN II is a vehicle built by Reliant. Production: 1971. The engine has 4 cylinders. The vehicle is...
Van
The Reliant Van is a van made by Reliant.
ReliantAntno photoAnt
The Reliant Ant is a van from Reliant.