@@jesshadfield3566 I had one for almost three years. I went to Devon in it from Lincolnshire and the following year to Lands End and had a great time in it. You have to drive it accordingly, I was young but I took it easy and it did all I asked it to do.
@@jameskrell4392It turns out even though the vehicle is really teater tottery thevreason the one on top gear rolled over so easy is because the rear suspension was welded and weight was added to the driver's side
There was a strict weight limit for 3 wheel cars which Reliant worked miracles to stay within 450kg to allow motorcycle license holders to drive it. Hence materials and minimal dash.
Indeed so - it was 8 cwt. ( hundredweight) back in the day, and they were sold without the spare tyre to save weight......hang on that's done today, and you get a bottle of gunge !
@@ianstewartorr8455 That was only true until 1964, when the law was changed to allow motorcycle license holders to drive vehicles with reverse gear. Until then, Reliant dealers did have to bolt a metal plate onto the transmission tunnel to block off reverse gear for customers who didn't have a full driving license, but any old Regals still surviving from that era have all doubtlessly had those plates removed by now.
@@ianstewartorr8455 Reverse was only blanked off until 1963 when the law was changed. Also older cars were allowed to un-blank them. I had an Isetta at the time and it took about 2 minutes to remove the blanking pin.
My favourite bit of the early Robins is the plasticy interior. It feels like you're sitting in a 1970s BBC Doctor Who prop. It's so unrelentingly naff it goes full circle and becomes great.
The positive and actual energy you bring to these cars of our childhood is such a refreshing break from the nonsense so many mindlessly repeat. Thank you.
Lovely to see you having such a good time. Reliants are wonderful little cars, my very first car was a Regal van and I went all over the country in it. Terrific. Thanks again Steph.
Thanks for such lovely feedback Mike! Yes always having a wonderful time on reviews and feel thoroughly blessed to be in a position to undertake them xx
Aww Holly that’s so nice of you to say. What a sweetheart you are! Just get out there and drive your lovely car. I remember years ago when my brakes failed I lost confidence but it helps to just get back out there and get going xxx
Thank you for such a lovely, enthusiastic review! I love these cars. My dad always had three-wheelers, including two Mk1 Robin estates like this one. One was gleaming white and very smart indeed. The other was the brightest shade of orangey yellow imaginable. They were really happy little cars and always put a smile on my face. Maybe one day I will get one of my own...
Funny thing, previous owners back in the day nearly always loved them.it was the next step from bikes, you were warm and dry and it didn’t cost a lot more to run. Girlfriends loved them. Great report on happier times....
I really loves your videos, That Arrogant Jeremy Clarkson, Including today's Top Gear with different people has totally lost the Plot, Please keep them coming 😀😃
Loved this. These have always been on my bucket list, just never seemed to have got there! I remember these when new, hah, I thrashed a van version the year this was built! , ohhhh, that’s when you start to feel old! It’s great promoting young owners thank you!
My late father had 7 reliants from 1972-1989 he passed his Motorbike test in 1970 and boughta honda C70 cub and then as he could drive a reliant on his bike test his first relaint a 1967 regal 21E in 1972 and his last in 1986 a rialto . he finally passed his test aftera hiatus of 15 years in 1989. thanks for posting the video steph!
I owned a Supervan in 1975, because I could drive it on my motor bike licence. It was nippy economical and fun. One downside was that if there was a pot hole or obstuction in the road it was hard to miss it with the central front wheel. Your video brought back great memories, thank you.
I'm a massive life long car fanatic, I love your videos and your up beat positive evaluation of these cars you review,people will remember Dads, Grandad's and Aunties with some of these old cars and a positive reminisce is really what these cars deserve
My father had a Reliant Robin Super 850 estate, finished in a rather fetching shade of beige. The super had a few additional accessories over the base variant such as volt and oil pressure meters, additional carpeting inside the cabin and twin front fog lights. My Father only had a motorcycle license and enjoyed driving the Robin which he nicknamed ‘The Rocket’. I passed my motorcycle test and occasionally drove the Reliant. On one particular Saturday I met this young lady at the local nightclub and offered to take her home in the Robin. I don’t think she was too impressed with the Robin as I could not get a second date from her. Things could have been so different if I had been driving something exotic like a Marina or Allegro!
I had two reliant Rialto's. One saloon and one converted to a pickup. loved em both and they were quite nippy for what they were. I got some funny looks when I used to overtake cars on motorway, specially when I had the trailer on.
Had one of these way back in 1993. Had lots of problems with it and sold it couple of years after I bought it. I have a gorgeous mk1 Ford Focus now and would'nt look back. What a stunning girl in the video.
I once drove a Regal van. First couple of corners I was desperately aware of the shortage of wheels at the front.... then you realise a lot of it is in your mind and whilst they aren't as stable as a mini its not as bad as you first fear and you can corner with gusto
Another brilliant review as ever Steph, well done! 😁😁 I don't know how Del Boy managed to fill all those faulty computers and hooky louvre doors in the back of his Regal haha 😂
My mate had one in the early 80's. it had a tow bar on it. we used the car and small trailer and moved all his flat pack furniture from Leeds to Malton over a week of evenings with it. It wasn.t slow for a small car, was very economical and never fell over or felt unstable. later on he used it to tow a small boat.
Used to own one - Totally loved it. If you get the chance to drive one that has been looked after, then take that opportunity. I promise that you won;t stop smiling. Good video with lots of great info as always.
Good video. The first essential qualification for driving a Reliant Robin is a sense of humor! I've had my Reliant Rialto for twenty years now. If you upgraded from two wheels to three, as a lot did you can usualy master a Reliant without any problem. If you drive one like you work on a comedy programme with cars you will soon end up in trouble. The owners club is a good source of help, advice and spares.
Wonderful stuff Steph, Lovely to see something positive about my favorite cars. Me and my late uncle owned Reliants since the late 90's and he was still driving one untill two months before he passed from cancer. After a brief dalliance with an Axaim ( I just couldn't love it), I'm now a Reliant owner again having just got last Thursday my 1995 Mk2 Robin 21 aniversary model in of course Silver. & I only found out once I'd purchased it that its one of only 100 made. Keep up the good work my Dear Steph. Yours a Faithful Reliant nutter Paul Davies👍
My introduction to a Robin was sometime in the nineties when I saw one in a Mr. Bean episode on PBS. My son-in-law was familiar with them and painted a rather negative picture. Nice to see something positive.
My Grandad had several of these, including the earlier Regal and the later Rialto's, a few caught fire, they were good at that lol ! Great vid again Steph, love your enthusiasm a refreshing change. Gary
Hi Gary! Thanks so much for your kind words 😊. To be honest with you, one of the greatest joys in my life is taking new cars out and having a laugh and doing a little adventure so I’d have to really struggle not to be enthusiastic 😂😂😂
Another very enjoyable video and great to see someone giving a “no preconceptions” review of a Reliant Robin too. I love my MK2-they really are the best kept secret of the classic car world. My other classic is a Mini with an MG Metro engine and as much as I love it, in some ways I enjoy being behind the wheel of the Reliant more! It’s such a happy car too-I get so many waves and toots from passers by it’s untrue and everyone lets you out at junctions which is a nice experience..... until you get used to it and then get back in the modern! Lol
Aww well as a classic driver daily, I can appreciate classics properly IMO. I haven’t been spoilt by all this modern nonsense. I’m also not a car snob - I’ll literally jump into any old car and give them a spin and be thoroughly fair. I filmed this on a day where I wasn’t feeling myself whatsoever and this car cheered me up so much. A real treat 🥰
In the past many bikers that had full motorbike licence but hadn't bother to do their car test, would often own a Reliant Robin as they could drive it on their motorcycle licence.
I'm late to the party, but picked up a mk2 for my nephew, the later cars had access panels either side of the engine, this can be done to the mk1s. It enables access to the oil filter etc
I loved the look of this generation of Reliants, they got the styling bang-on, unlike the previous Del-Boy Regal, and better than the later Rialto with its grafted on Fiesta lights. All of them used borrowed parts. I tried, at age 11, to get my father to consider it, as with the Lada, He was far too sensible. Although, on watching Star Wars in 1977, he did drive our Very Sensible Renault 16 at crazy high speed back home, cracks were showing
hi .discovered your vids few days ago.great stuff.i own a 69 mini 850 and a ford taunus p4(german cortina ish car).nice to see a woman with interest in classic cars.greetings from belgium😊
Steph, you need to go on TV!! Knowing how to test drive & review old cars properly is how I first remember the old motor show format as I knew it. Contact one of the stations & see if they'll agree on the whole idea of bringing back that original format in order to take away that dreaded lunacy of Top Gear.
My grandfather had one, I remember him telling me how they could be driven with a motorcycle license, but they disabled the reverse gear up until about 1963
My dad had one even older than Del Boy's - but he bought it new in 1963. 2 things never do in a Reliant - 1 coast in neutral . It makes it dangerously unstable. 2 take your eyes off the road in country lanes. I was a passenger and the thing nearly went over- it was only the fact that me and the driver were both big lads that it sort of balanced it as it rocked about 2 feet of the road - one side then the other. 1 thing to do on a Reliant - run it on crossply tyres ( but I don't think you can get them now) - they allow a controlled drift before a wheel lifts - great on roundabouts. lol
Hi Steph , Excellent video/coverage, How did you find driving the Robin round corners , junctions , roundabouts ect . Was it easy and did you find it stable ? . Did you take turns at the speed as you would with a standard Car or a bit slower ? I,m currently rebuilding a 1970's Bond Bug which is similar to the Robin and I,m also on the look out for a Reliant Regal. Once again excellent video/coverage of this Reliant.
I would not say it's impossible, trikes are not bound to the same safety standard cars with 4 wheels are. bring back a 3 wheeler like the robin should be possible. and it may be possible to push them up to the same safety standards anyway.
@Uncle Gilbert These 3 wheelers were aimed at motorcyclists, I doubt a motorcyclist would fair any better in such a crash. The Reliant offers a somewhat safer option to motorcycle licence holders. generally speaking even a modern car the occupants will not fair to well in a 50mph head on crash. modern cars are allot safer, that's a fact. the downside tho people now have a false sense of security driving them. thankfully we are starting to see more active safety features such as collision avoidance and automatic breaking ETC. These active measures will making driving safer overall even for classic car drivers.
Brilliant and allways fancied one, Now in the 70,s I worked in a village garage and one of the mechanics set fire to one accidentally while welding underneath. What a laugh.
The old boy had one of these new. Coming back from the boozer (as you did in the 70’s) with three of his sizeable mates, the steering box fell off at 50mph! All survived including the car and Reliant went on to recall a batch of Robins due to this steering issue. Ironically the old boy received his recall letter about a week after his near miss by which time it was fettled.
Steph, there are after-market sound-deadening products, such as Dynamat, Lizard Skin, etc. which are lightweight, apply easily, and effectively reduce interior noise and heat... just in case your Metro grows unbearably hot or noisy. And you are still a lovely lady!
My abiding memory of these is of a chap who lived down the road from us came home in a yellow one. He got out, slammed the door and it burst into flames! Burnt to the ground. Being fiberglass, all that was left were the seat frames, engine and metal bits! Scary.
Great little cars, I think Clarkson was probably comparing the handling with the likes of Ferrari. Reliability and running costs put the boot firmly on the other foot though. I once drove a Rialto from Cumbria to London and back, cheaper than getting the train and would still have beén cheaper if I'd thrown it away when I got back. 😂
I hate this culture of running down the little guy - a car worth more than most people could dream of owning is going to perform better than something under 1k. You’d expect it with any product. It also really stresses me out that topgear ruin cars. What a waste of history!
The infamous Top Gear episode where they rolled the Reliants is, like all their content, made for laughs. They added weights on one side of the car, altered the suspension and actually had to work quite hard to get them to roll over. Unfortunately, many people don't see the difference between TV and reality. I'd love to have a go in one of these, or the Bond Bug!
i ran this model for years even used as business car,.Bike licencce, Very reliable engine; Just as well it was, as you couldn't get near it. Big drawback was noise levels. I drive BMW's now, and although great handling and comfort levels, they are about 80% less reliable. Word of advice get bowden cable for choke. Also do not let anyone tell you to use metric bearing, there are plenty of imperial bearing dealers.
I had a reliant regal for years in the 70's and it's impossible to explain why I found it so much fun to drive compared to any other vehicle I have had and driven.
I developed, probably unfounded, fear of death in a 3 wheel Bond car with a 200cc Villiers engine under the bonnet. When my brother opens the bonnet to kick start the engine my fear greed worse. When he had got the engine started he had to push the car backwards because it had no reverse gear. My fears were allayed when I met a guy in London called Allan Green and he had a Bug which was fantastic.
Steph, Reliant also made a four-wheeled version called Kitten which was quite rare and not half bad. They tried to sell it in Greece, but only with limited success as the locals favoured the Autobianchi instead, a car more established and available, and admittedly, a bit more sophisticated.
I had a lovely green robin back in the 70s. Mind you, I only had a motorbike license and effectively taught myself to drive a car. I was a danger to myself and others for the first few days and cringe to think about it now. Great little car which I absolutely loved.
Hi Steph, Lovely video. I found a Reliant Robin 850 online and I'm about to make a test drive in it. I love your videos and like you said: modern cars (and bikes) are really boring :P and oldtimers aren't ^^
Well all I can say is if this is the level of your videos..... I'm really glad I clicked subscribe and clicked the bell icon.... Need a binge watch now
They're not as bad as you'd expect to work on I don't think. There's access panels to the engine and ancillaries under the carpet of the transmission tunnel on either side, also it can be pretty easy to unbolt the whole body from the chassis if ever you want to refurb that or the reliant body. This information is only based on the ones I've seen, not this Robin in particular. Great cars imo and a great video, thank you. Personally I don't think it's fair to argue that the car is good nor bad like a lot of people do. I think it entirely depends on the man/woman. No single car is perfect for every individual. I'm selling my cars, one being a 74 Triumph 2000 and replacing them with one of these 👌🏻 Some will say I'm mad, some will understand. We all get our kicks in different ways. Have fun and take care guys.
Omg this takes me back to my childhood, my dad had a motorbike license and could legally drive one without a full licence, this was simalar to my dad's reg number OTV 996R A beige realto
If you have not done so you should also try a Regal as I think they have more legroom width. I certainly don't remember the hot legs issue with my Regal. I remember having a test drive in a Peugeot 205 GTi and that felt like your legs were in a narrow tunnel.
I remember people telling me old Reliants were popular with Yorkshire coalminers who bought them just to get to and from work for shifts at all hours. Backwards and forwards to the mine in all weathers, day or night, and not used for much else. The wife might have a more normal car and they used that for holidays and shopping trips.
I’ve subscribed great channel, great to see you have love for all classics cars.proper cars and fun fun fun presenter.please don’t change .. cars you drive not cars that drive you. 🏴🚗👍
850cc or not, my brother in law had a jubilee Robin from new and it flew up the A1 when he gave me a lift when I went on a course in North Yorks. Touching 90mph at times. There were 4 on board too.
That takes me back to when my old Humber Hawk's down pipe came off the exhaust manifold on way back home with my mate Dave and a couple of his friends on board. How Mark laughed… How a middle aged man shouted at me as I drove back, it did sound like a Spitfire aircraft. I wonder if 17RHU will ever get back on the road. Good on the teenage gentleman having an unusual car. Wonder if his friends call it a Robin Reliant?
These are classed as trikes (as far as the DVLA is concerned.) Reliant had been making three-wheelers for a long time when these came out, so it's not surprising that they're good for what they are. They did make four-wheelers for a while (the Kitten), but they never sold as well as the trikes!
My first car was a 1962 Regal with a crash box. I trained later on in years for my PSV in a Bristol Lodekka with crash box and it was far easier than the Reliant. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I had a reliant on my motorcycle licence, I fitted a 1.0 mini engine after the original 750 filled the passenger side up with oil 🥴 lol what a beast it then was, showed up some nova lovers in the day ha ha ha 😜
My first car was a Regal, the pre sloping Anglia back window model. Austin side valve engine and crash gearbox. Let’s just say years later I trained and got my PSV in a Bristol Lodekka. The Bristol had an easier great change. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I stopped watching Top Gear years ago even before the Clarkson scandal and I've never seen The Grand Tour. To be honest I'd rather watch TH-cam channels like this.
R-reg 1977 - same age as me 😂 I love it. Concourse is not necessarily the best. Liking the HubNut sticker - you two should do a collaboration together. Great video and drive 👌🏼
I've just finished restoring a Reliant Regal saloon... there are progress videos in my channel. The exhaust on that Robin would be an easy fix. You can at least still buy an affordable full system for the Robin, unlike the Regal. Top Gear deliberately set those Robins up to turn over easily. Which of course they never mentioned.
Nice to see a film featuring a Reliant Robin that shows they are great little vehicles and that they don't roll over on every corner as some folks would have you believe. Lots more about the Robin can be found in our Reliant Motor Club archives at www.reliant.website :)
Nice to see an underdog getting some attention. Great little cars that mobilised many people. Nice vid always
Thanks Martin! I love the real cars like these over the supercharged sports cars and flashy 100k motors. Might seem strange to some but hey ho xxx
idriveaclassic I agree for sure. No point looking at things we can’t afford. I love the English micro cars.
Unfortunately the reliant Robbin also crippled, traumatized, and killed many people
@@jesshadfield3566 I had one for almost three years. I went to Devon in it from Lincolnshire and the following year to Lands End and had a great time in it. You have to drive it accordingly, I was young but I took it easy and it did all I asked it to do.
@@jameskrell4392It turns out even though the vehicle is really teater tottery thevreason the one on top gear rolled over so easy is because the rear suspension was welded and weight was added to the driver's side
There was a strict weight limit for 3 wheel cars which Reliant worked miracles to stay within 450kg to allow motorcycle license holders to drive it. Hence materials and minimal dash.
Indeed so - it was 8 cwt. ( hundredweight) back in the day, and they were sold without the spare tyre to save weight......hang on that's done today, and you get a bottle of gunge !
@@ianstewartorr8455 The reverse on the reliant was not blanked off I had 3 of them and I pulled a small trailer tent with one of them.
@@ianstewartorr8455 That was only true until 1964, when the law was changed to allow motorcycle license holders to drive vehicles with reverse gear. Until then, Reliant dealers did have to bolt a metal plate onto the transmission tunnel to block off reverse gear for customers who didn't have a full driving license, but any old Regals still surviving from that era have all doubtlessly had those plates removed by now.
@@ianstewartorr8455 Reverse was only blanked off until 1963 when the law was changed. Also older cars were allowed to un-blank them. I had an Isetta at the time and it took about 2 minutes to remove the blanking pin.
My favourite bit of the early Robins is the plasticy interior. It feels like you're sitting in a 1970s BBC Doctor Who prop. It's so unrelentingly naff it goes full circle and becomes great.
This description is so spot on I wish I had said it 😂😂😂😂😂
tell me any car nowadays thats not full of plastic????
The positive and actual energy you bring to these cars of our childhood is such a refreshing break from the nonsense so many mindlessly repeat. Thank you.
Lovely to see you having such a good time. Reliants are wonderful little cars, my very first car was a Regal van and I went all over the country in it. Terrific. Thanks again Steph.
Thanks for such lovely feedback Mike! Yes always having a wonderful time on reviews and feel thoroughly blessed to be in a position to undertake them xx
Loved this video , keep making them please you are such a joy to watch and are giving me back my confidence to drive my classic car more 😊
Aww Holly that’s so nice of you to say. What a sweetheart you are! Just get out there and drive your lovely car. I remember years ago when my brakes failed I lost confidence but it helps to just get back out there and get going xxx
I LOVE you attitude Steph', "this is me living my very best life" what a wonderful perspective! XXX
Hahahaha I really feel like I am 🥰🥰🥰 xxx
Thank you for such a lovely, enthusiastic review! I love these cars. My dad always had three-wheelers, including two Mk1 Robin estates like this one. One was gleaming white and very smart indeed. The other was the brightest shade of orangey yellow imaginable. They were really happy little cars and always put a smile on my face. Maybe one day I will get one of my own...
Funny thing, previous owners back in the day nearly always loved them.it was the next step from bikes, you were warm and dry and it didn’t cost a lot more to run. Girlfriends loved them. Great report on happier times....
I really loves your videos, That Arrogant Jeremy Clarkson, Including today's Top Gear with different people has totally lost the Plot,
Please keep them coming 😀😃
Thanks so much!
Loved this. These have always been on my bucket list, just never seemed to have got there! I remember these when new, hah, I thrashed a van version the year this was built! , ohhhh, that’s when you start to feel old! It’s great promoting young owners thank you!
Thanks for your lovely comment Andrea. You should definitely get one. They’re absolutely hilarious xxx
_"...new cars are kinda' boring"_
better words couldn't be said 😁
My late father had 7 reliants from 1972-1989 he passed his Motorbike test in 1970 and boughta honda C70 cub and then as he could drive a reliant on his bike test his first relaint a 1967 regal 21E in 1972 and his last in 1986 a rialto . he finally passed his test aftera hiatus of 15 years in 1989. thanks for posting the video steph!
What an absolute hero with a back catalogue like that
@@idriveaclassic Thanks but as a kid it was a bit embarassing being driven round in a three wheeler! lol
Coincidence - my first bike a Honda C70, I had a Reliant Regal 21E 700 and Robin 750!
I owned a Supervan in 1975, because I could drive it on my motor bike licence. It was nippy economical and fun. One downside was that if there was a pot hole or obstuction in the road it was hard to miss it with the central front wheel. Your video brought back great memories, thank you.
I'm a massive life long car fanatic, I love your videos and your up beat positive evaluation of these cars you review,people will remember Dads, Grandad's and Aunties with some of these old cars and a positive reminisce is really what these cars deserve
Aww thanks so much Julian 🥰🥰🥰
had lots of fun in 6 different models of the robin, brought lots of memorys back, remember the jubilee models, shame the exhaust was so noisy
I know it was a shame!
Honestly, you could review a dump truck and I would still be excited to watch the video.
My father had a Reliant Robin Super 850 estate, finished in a rather fetching shade of beige. The super had a few additional accessories over the base variant such as volt and oil pressure meters, additional carpeting inside the cabin and twin front fog lights. My Father only had a motorcycle license and enjoyed driving the Robin which he nicknamed ‘The Rocket’. I passed my motorcycle test and occasionally drove the Reliant. On one particular Saturday I met this young lady at the local nightclub and offered to take her home in the Robin. I don’t think she was too impressed with the Robin as I could not get a second date from her. Things could have been so different if I had been driving something exotic like a Marina or Allegro!
I had two reliant Rialto's. One saloon and one converted to a pickup. loved em both and they were quite nippy for what they were. I got some funny looks when I used to overtake cars on motorway, specially when I had the trailer on.
Nanananana brilliant
Had one of these way back in 1993. Had lots of problems with it and sold it couple of years after I bought it. I have a gorgeous mk1 Ford Focus now and would'nt look back. What a stunning girl in the video.
I once drove a Regal van. First couple of corners I was desperately aware of the shortage of wheels at the front.... then you realise a lot of it is in your mind and whilst they aren't as stable as a mini its not as bad as you first fear and you can corner with gusto
You are one brave lady, that thing has only three wheels. Another fun video. Thanks
good fun old car that is still on the road and going strong, thumbs up from me,:)
Thanks love!
Wow ! Brilliant little car! I want one please !!!
Great video & look forward to more of them. 👍
What an absolute hoot! Love it!
Another brilliant review as ever Steph, well done! 😁😁 I don't know how Del Boy managed to fill all those faulty computers and hooky louvre doors in the back of his Regal haha 😂
Hahahahaha. Del Boy is a hero. I swear when David Jason dies we will need a national day of mourning.
My mate had one in the early 80's. it had a tow bar on it. we used the car and small trailer and moved all his flat pack furniture from Leeds to Malton over a week of evenings with it. It wasn.t slow for a small car, was very economical and never fell over or felt unstable. later on he used it to tow a small boat.
Used to own one - Totally loved it. If you get the chance to drive one that has been looked after, then take that opportunity. I promise that you won;t stop smiling. Good video with lots of great info as always.
Good video. The first essential qualification for driving a Reliant Robin is a sense of humor! I've had my Reliant Rialto for twenty years now. If you upgraded from two wheels to three, as a lot did you can usualy master a Reliant without any problem. If you drive one like you work on a comedy programme with cars you will soon end up in trouble. The owners club is a good source of help, advice and spares.
Wonderful stuff Steph,
Lovely to see something positive about my favorite cars. Me and my late uncle owned Reliants since the late 90's and he was still driving one untill two months before he passed from cancer. After a brief dalliance with an Axaim ( I just couldn't love it), I'm now a Reliant owner again having just got last Thursday my 1995 Mk2 Robin 21 aniversary model in of course Silver. & I only found out once I'd purchased it that its one of only 100 made. Keep up the good work my Dear Steph.
Yours a Faithful Reliant nutter
Paul Davies👍
My introduction to a Robin was sometime in the nineties when I saw one in a Mr. Bean episode on PBS. My son-in-law was familiar with them and painted a rather negative picture. Nice to see something positive.
Finally a classic car review that isn't boring
My Grandad had several of these, including the earlier Regal and the later Rialto's, a few caught fire, they were good at that lol !
Great vid again Steph, love your enthusiasm a refreshing change.
Gary
Hi Gary! Thanks so much for your kind words 😊. To be honest with you, one of the greatest joys in my life is taking new cars out and having a laugh and doing a little adventure so I’d have to really struggle not to be enthusiastic 😂😂😂
I had a reliant robin Steph went on holiday to Wales with my little sheltie only time she complained was when I had to stop at traffic lights😄
Enjoyed that cheeky test! Notice the Maxi/Marina inside door handles!
Yeah interesting how people building cars were like, sod it, pinch that off that car 😂
my best driving years were i a reliant,helped me pass my test first time,great little cars!
Another very enjoyable video and great to see someone giving a “no preconceptions” review of a Reliant Robin too. I love my MK2-they really are the best kept secret of the classic car world. My other classic is a Mini with an MG Metro engine and as much as I love it, in some ways I enjoy being behind the wheel of the Reliant more! It’s such a happy car too-I get so many waves and toots from passers by it’s untrue and everyone lets you out at junctions which is a nice experience..... until you get used to it and then get back in the modern! Lol
Aww well as a classic driver daily, I can appreciate classics properly IMO. I haven’t been spoilt by all this modern nonsense.
I’m also not a car snob - I’ll literally jump into any old car and give them a spin and be thoroughly fair.
I filmed this on a day where I wasn’t feeling myself whatsoever and this car cheered me up so much. A real treat 🥰
my dad drove these for years . I actually learned to drive in one
Did you feel safe driving that car ?
@@julienbee3467 uk drivers are always very safe . Unlike in Poland where the trabant was popular and dangerous because alot of unpatient drivers
In the past many bikers that had full motorbike licence but hadn't bother to do their car test, would often own a Reliant Robin as they could drive it on their motorcycle licence.
I'm late to the party, but picked up a mk2 for my nephew, the later cars had access panels either side of the engine, this can be done to the mk1s. It enables access to the oil filter etc
I loved the look of this generation of Reliants, they got the styling bang-on, unlike the previous Del-Boy Regal, and better than the later Rialto with its grafted on Fiesta lights. All of them used borrowed parts. I tried, at age 11, to get my father to consider it, as with the Lada, He was far too sensible. Although, on watching Star Wars in 1977, he did drive our Very Sensible Renault 16 at crazy high speed back home, cracks were showing
hi .discovered your vids few days ago.great stuff.i own a 69 mini 850 and a ford taunus p4(german cortina ish car).nice to see a woman with interest in classic cars.greetings from belgium😊
Steph, you need to go on TV!! Knowing how to test drive & review old cars properly is how I first remember the old motor show format as I knew it. Contact one of the stations & see if they'll agree on the whole idea of bringing back that original format in order to take away that dreaded lunacy of Top Gear.
My grandfather had one, I remember him telling me how they could be driven with a motorcycle license, but they disabled the reverse gear up until about 1963
My dad had one even older than Del Boy's - but he bought it new in 1963. 2 things never do in a Reliant - 1 coast in neutral . It makes it dangerously unstable. 2 take your eyes off the road in country lanes. I was a passenger and the thing nearly went over- it was only the fact that me and the driver were both big lads that it sort of balanced it as it rocked about 2 feet of the road - one side then the other. 1 thing to do on a Reliant - run it on crossply tyres ( but I don't think you can get them now) - they allow a controlled drift before a wheel lifts - great on roundabouts. lol
Excellent video again Steph - have watched a few of them now, and I have a HubNut sticker on my car too...
Thanks so much Karl! Idriveaclassic stickers are coming soon don’t forget ;)
idriveaclassic cool 😊
Hi Steph , Excellent video/coverage, How did you find driving the Robin round corners , junctions , roundabouts ect . Was it easy and did you find it stable ? . Did you take turns at the speed as you would with a standard Car or a bit slower ? I,m currently rebuilding a 1970's Bond Bug which is similar to the Robin and I,m also on the look out for a Reliant Regal. Once again excellent video/coverage of this Reliant.
Hi Steph good to see new video's / test drives. Have you any thought's on the above? Thanks Andrew.
It's not just Clarkson that doesn't like this car , Mr Bean is also not keen about the Reliant robin 🤣🤣 Another great review , thanks!!
Perfect cheap minimal transport. We need a modern equivalent, but sadly impossible with modern health and safety.
Health and safety has ruined/took away allot of great things. It’s gone out of control.
I would not say it's impossible, trikes are not bound to the same safety standard cars with 4 wheels are. bring back a 3 wheeler like the robin should be possible. and it may be possible to push them up to the same safety standards anyway.
@Uncle Gilbert These 3 wheelers were aimed at motorcyclists, I doubt a motorcyclist would fair any better in such a crash. The Reliant offers a somewhat safer option to motorcycle licence holders. generally speaking even a modern car the occupants will not fair to well in a 50mph head on crash. modern cars are allot safer, that's a fact. the downside tho people now have a false sense of security driving them. thankfully we are starting to see more active safety features such as collision avoidance and automatic breaking ETC. These active measures will making driving safer overall even for classic car drivers.
Brilliant and allways fancied one, Now in the 70,s I worked in a village garage and one of the mechanics set fire to one accidentally while welding underneath. What a laugh.
Oh Jesus!!!! That’s why you always take the interior out before you weld ;)
The old boy had one of these new. Coming back from the boozer (as you did in the 70’s) with three of his sizeable mates, the steering box fell off at 50mph! All survived including the car and Reliant went on to recall a batch of Robins due to this steering issue. Ironically the old boy received his recall letter about a week after his near miss by which time it was fettled.
I also have a soft spot for the AC Invacar because they were a common sight in my childhood during the 80s.
awesome video, probably the cutest car uve test driven so far
Thanks Matt you’re so lovely 🥰
@@idriveaclassic i still love jill as well :D
Steph, there are after-market sound-deadening products, such as Dynamat, Lizard Skin, etc. which are lightweight, apply easily, and effectively reduce interior noise and heat... just in case your Metro grows unbearably hot or noisy. And you are still a lovely lady!
Owned 2 in my life, loved them. Oliver is certainly right about them being a pain in the bum to work on.
My abiding memory of these is of a chap who lived down the road from us came home in a yellow one. He got out, slammed the door and it burst into flames! Burnt to the ground. Being fiberglass, all that was left were the seat frames, engine and metal bits! Scary.
Nice , Thank you for posting👌
Cheers!
Great little cars, I think Clarkson was probably comparing the handling with the likes of Ferrari. Reliability and running costs put the boot firmly on the other foot though. I once drove a Rialto from Cumbria to London and back, cheaper than getting the train and would still have beén cheaper if I'd thrown it away when I got back. 😂
I hate this culture of running down the little guy - a car worth more than most people could dream of owning is going to perform better than something under 1k. You’d expect it with any product.
It also really stresses me out that topgear ruin cars. What a waste of history!
The infamous Top Gear episode where they rolled the Reliants is, like all their content, made for laughs. They added weights on one side of the car, altered the suspension and actually had to work quite hard to get them to roll over. Unfortunately, many people don't see the difference between TV and reality. I'd love to have a go in one of these, or the Bond Bug!
I absolutely love Reliant three-wheelers!!! Especially the really old ones with fins and chrome hubcaps!
..reliant regal
i ran this model for years even used as business car,.Bike licencce, Very reliable engine; Just as well it was, as you couldn't get near it. Big drawback was noise levels. I drive BMW's now, and although great handling and comfort levels, they are about 80% less reliable. Word of advice get bowden cable for choke. Also do not let anyone tell you to use metric bearing, there are plenty of imperial bearing dealers.
Thanks Stephen I’ll pass the info to the owner x
@@idriveaclassic Any other issues let me know. If i have dealt with it i will pass on information.
I had a reliant regal for years in the 70's and it's impossible to explain why I found it so much fun to drive compared to any other vehicle I have had and driven.
Really like this vid and the car. Subscribed.
And tbh, you're kinda cute too. :3
BTW: Isn't the Robin engine similar to the BMC A-series engine?
They were called plastic pigs because they were made in Tamworth. That is a breed of pig. Love your enthusiasm. Keep up the good work.
Love little facts like this. Cheers Alan x
Apart from the noise - it gets you about!!
I developed, probably unfounded, fear of death in a 3 wheel Bond car with a 200cc Villiers engine under the bonnet.
When my brother opens the bonnet to kick start the engine my fear greed worse.
When he had got the engine started he had to push the car backwards because it had no reverse gear.
My fears were allayed when I met a guy in London called Allan Green and he had a Bug which was fantastic.
Steph, Reliant also made a four-wheeled version called Kitten which was quite rare and not half bad. They tried to sell it in Greece, but only with limited success as the locals favoured the Autobianchi instead, a car more established and available, and admittedly, a bit more sophisticated.
I had a lovely green robin back in the 70s. Mind you, I only had a motorbike license and effectively taught myself to drive a car. I was a danger to myself and others for the first few days and cringe to think about it now. Great little car which I absolutely loved.
Aww good memory though 😂😂😂
Hi Steph, Lovely video. I found a Reliant Robin 850 online and I'm about to make a test drive in it. I love your videos and like you said: modern cars (and bikes) are really boring :P and oldtimers aren't ^^
Well all I can say is if this is the level of your videos.....
I'm really glad I clicked subscribe and clicked the bell icon....
Need a binge watch now
Awwww thank you so much!!! The earlier ones are a bit more erm, junior 🙈🙈
They're not as bad as you'd expect to work on I don't think. There's access panels to the engine and ancillaries under the carpet of the transmission tunnel on either side, also it can be pretty easy to unbolt the whole body from the chassis if ever you want to refurb that or the reliant body. This information is only based on the ones I've seen, not this Robin in particular. Great cars imo and a great video, thank you. Personally I don't think it's fair to argue that the car is good nor bad like a lot of people do. I think it entirely depends on the man/woman. No single car is perfect for every individual. I'm selling my cars, one being a 74 Triumph 2000 and replacing them with one of these 👌🏻 Some will say I'm mad, some will understand. We all get our kicks in different ways. Have fun and take care guys.
The access panels were only available on the Rialto and later models, from 1982 onwards, so this Robin won't have them.
Great vid, i have the Rialto and its mpg is outstanding...
Omg this takes me back to my childhood, my dad had a motorbike license and could legally drive one without a full licence, this was simalar to my dad's reg number OTV 996R A beige realto
A working woman or mans car and that makes it a hero in my book.....
If you have not done so you should also try a Regal as I think they have more legroom width. I certainly don't remember the hot legs issue with my Regal. I remember having a test drive in a Peugeot 205 GTi and that felt like your legs were in a narrow tunnel.
I remember people telling me old Reliants were popular with Yorkshire coalminers who bought them just to get to and from work for shifts at all hours. Backwards and forwards to the mine in all weathers, day or night, and not used for much else. The wife might have a more normal car and they used that for holidays and shopping trips.
I’ve subscribed great channel, great to see you have love for all classics cars.proper cars and fun fun fun presenter.please don’t change .. cars you drive not cars that drive you. 🏴🚗👍
850cc or not, my brother in law had a jubilee Robin from new and it flew up the A1 when he gave me a lift when I went on a course in North Yorks. Touching 90mph at times. There were 4 on board too.
how did it not tip over at 90mph lol
I worked at a Reliant main dealership in 1977. The Reliants were affectionately refered to as ' Barrows' . If you owned one you were a Barrowman!
Cant wait to get my one on the road.
The car of choice of my late grandad.he had one that colour too Steph
Thousands were sold.. By sensible folks. Tuk Tuks... Great Cars.
I remember the best thing was the gear change.. ;)
This gearbox was so easy to navigate. Other people told me it would be tricky!
That takes me back to when my old Humber Hawk's down pipe came off the exhaust manifold on way back home with my mate Dave and a couple of his friends on board. How Mark laughed… How a middle aged man shouted at me as I drove back, it did sound like a Spitfire aircraft. I wonder if 17RHU will ever get back on the road.
Good on the teenage gentleman having an unusual car. Wonder if his friends call it a Robin Reliant?
These are classed as trikes (as far as the DVLA is concerned.) Reliant had been making three-wheelers for a long time when these came out, so it's not surprising that they're good for what they are. They did make four-wheelers for a while (the Kitten), but they never sold as well as the trikes!
Oh really! That’s so cool. I’d love to try a Kitten ❤️❤️❤️
Some friends of mine live in Robin Close on the site of the factory where this car was built
That car puts a smile on your face.Owner needs a flat cap and a pipe which is essential to drive this.
I love my little reliant I have a 1990 reliant Rialto great video 😄😄😄😄😄😄
Aww if you fancy getting featured drop me an email
What a cute car! It's almost as cute as a Nash Metropolitan, in my humble opinion.
ALWAYS wanted one of these eariy ones :)
My feelings towards these was not very charitable before I watched this. It just seemed so awkward and strange. I think it’s all right now.
ARGH my ears!! They're bleeding! Imagine doing 200 miles in that bloody thing lol XD. Really enjoyable video - thank you!
It's got a broken exhaust. Normally they are quite noisy, but not as bad as this one.
My first car was a 1962 Regal with a crash box. I trained later on in years for my PSV in a Bristol Lodekka with crash box and it was far easier than the Reliant. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I loved that. Thank you, stay safe x
I've seen that in Carlisle! Brilliant little cars, always wanted to drive one and own one.
They are a good little car and they do handle better than people think lovely video
I had a reliant on my motorcycle licence, I fitted a 1.0 mini engine after the original 750 filled the passenger side up with oil 🥴 lol what a beast it then was, showed up some nova lovers in the day ha ha ha 😜
My first car was a Regal, the pre sloping Anglia back window model. Austin side valve engine and crash gearbox. Let’s just say years later I trained and got my PSV in a Bristol Lodekka. The Bristol had an easier great change. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I stopped watching Top Gear years ago even before the Clarkson scandal and I've never seen The Grand Tour. To be honest I'd rather watch TH-cam channels like this.
Agree totally.Endless supercars for the 1% and wee boys larking around.Twats.
Outstanding video - you could do this professionally say 5th Gear. I had a 750, it touched 90 and I'd love to drive one again - cute. Subscribed.
Aw thanks so much David!
R-reg 1977 - same age as me 😂 I love it. Concourse is not necessarily the best. Liking the HubNut sticker - you two should do a collaboration together. Great video and drive 👌🏼
I've just finished restoring a Reliant Regal saloon... there are progress videos in my channel. The exhaust on that Robin would be an easy fix. You can at least still buy an affordable full system for the Robin, unlike the Regal. Top Gear deliberately set those Robins up to turn over easily. Which of course they never mentioned.
Yeah it’s so bad isn’t it. If you’d like to get the Regal reviewed I’d love to feature you x
Sadly its not the exhaust having a hole in that is the issue the threads on the manifold have given up so it wont tighten up
Nice to see a film featuring a Reliant Robin that shows they are great little vehicles and that they don't roll over on every corner as some folks would have you believe. Lots more about the Robin can be found in our Reliant Motor Club archives at www.reliant.website :)
Thanks ever so much Elvis!!!! I have always wanted to drive one since I was a child so it was nice to experience one first hand 🥰