DANGEROUS?! Driving A Reliant Robin 3 Wheeler - Will It Roll? (1999 Mk3 850 Road Test)

[@jgrsleight5491]

I'm 34 and I have a robin, it's great fun to drive apart from in strong winds when it gets blown all over the road but even then it still makes me laugh lol its a fantastic little thing with a great personality, I hope more people restore them and use them as a daily drive, people do like to make jokes but they don't know what they are missing.

[@Steven-f281]

I'm actually looking for 1 have been for a while but I'm wanting a good 1 any ideas of the best place to look for a decent 1 ?

[@shaun125]

Hi. I love them. I've had their reliant for over 50 odd years, and still have one today. I have. a 1983 bright yellow. Rialto. You never get bored of driving them. It brings lots of happiness. everywhere it goes. and both licences. but I must prefer the reliant to a boring 4 Wheeler. Lol.

[@johnhuggins1394]

My dad had a 1983 A reg Rialto estate Panama Yellow GLS Before that for a couple of years,he owned a russet red Robin estate

[@robd1365]

My brother died 4 months ago, when he was a kid he would shout ‘plastic pig!’ at the top of his voice every time he saw one (quite a few on the road in the 90s). I saw one the other day and this 42 yr old who should know better yelled it across the street. I like them, they have a special place in my heart.

[@rover100bunson]

i loved my t reg 850 robin estate, 50mph,50mpg,high winds were a problem, brales werent great in the wet, nippy with a great gearbox

[@dazt103]

Any car that puts a smile on everyone's face is a good car for me 😊

[@seantreen4317]

My grandfather had Robins for most of his driving life mainly because he could drive it on his motorcycle license (he didn't have a full car license). The Robin is linked to many a fond memory from my childhood.

[@tivvy-xf4kz]

Just bought a mk 3 like the one you tested. I used to run a Rialto for work and I have a car and bike licence. Let's get one thing out of the way THEY DON'T FALL OVER . Problem with people testing them is they always push them to the limits. If driven sensibly ,like the small family vehicle it is, they are fine. Yes 2 wheels at the front are better but it wouldn't have rear seats and you would lose the family aspect. People keep on about the miners but it was more about the bike licence. Three wheelers evolved from basic motorcycle type engines to as near a car as they could get. Most owners started off on bikes and then a family came along so a 3 wheeler was the answer with no extra test to take. They just couldn't compete as they were literally hand built and the Mini came along and it was much cheaper. As time went on their core buyers became less as most teenagers were going direct to cars. There is a slight technique that sidecar drivers know and does benefit a Reliant. Overall you need to drive smoothly and avoid driving like a sports car. If it's just the driver on board then on left hand bends very lightly ease the throttle entering the bend then accelerate round the bend on a very light throttle. Right hand bends are ok on a flat light /steady throttle. What about a front puncture? No problem the car will not pull to the side. Same with heavy puddles. Main problem with the single wheel is snow and country lanes with a central hump on the road. Flat snow is ok but just take it steady. They will easily do 70 on the motorways BUT watch out on a windy day or overtaking/being overtaken by trucks. Just keep a good grip on the steering and be ready to anticipate it.

[@Steven-f281]

My dad went straight to a reliant from motorbikes and he was never a miner . You're right it gets on your nerves my dad was a southerner and had many southern friends that weren't miners who had them lol . They are not slow my dad regularly got his to 80 with me in the car

[@dps8435]

My uncle drove eight of us home one Xmas in one ,my dad threw up [pissed),leant out of window ,not far enough ,blew back in ,straight into my face,still traumatized fifty years later.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Not the comfiest ride, then!

[@dps8435]

@@ClassicsWorldUK and I hate carrots.

[@willswheels283]

Love them, my Dad never wanted to take his car test after riding motorcycles and combinations for years so we grew up with Reliant Robins and got well used to them and never once felt we were in any danger of falling over or rolling, sure they not as stable as a four wheeler but neither is a motorcycle! They were built for motorcyclists who couldn’t or wouldn’t afford driving lessons and a 4 wheel car, I bought one about 4 yeats after passing my bike test and it gave me the confidence to try for my car driving test, I could legally practise on my own, so after 3 months car driving lessons I passed my car test and so I owe to my old Reliant for that at least. Would I have another? Absolutely for a 2nd car. Thankyou Joe for such an open minded unbiased review.👍👍

[@davidhayes4814]

I am sure that they were much better than suggested in the jokes …. and of course they sold pretty well, partly due to fiscal and license considerations. My brother-in-law was driving a Regal many years ago on a motorway , one winter and it did turn over. Apparently a gust of wind caught it and it slid down the M’way on its side. A couple of friendly lorry drivers cordoned it off and helped him right it. He’s a paramedic now, so it can’t have put him off driving too much.

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

I don't like them, but I would not want a world without them. Whenever you see one, they put a smile on your face and boy would I love to take one for a spin for the "shits 'n' giggles"!

[@DJWenlowe]

What a fantastic year of reviews from you guys, you've covered an amazing diversity of motors. This truly is a channel for the petrol head. I've never driven a Robin or Regal , they're on my motoring bucket list; there's something incredibly charming about them. Anyway, a massive thank you for a great year of excellent content and here's to 2024. Thank you guys, Happy Xmas and New Year to you 👍👍

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks for your kind words, glad you enjoyed! 😁

[@danielrodd5364]

The same cornering technique as with motorcycles,slow in,smooth the bend out and fast out applies,often why non bikers seem to lift a wheel.engkne had nothing to do with Coventry climax,and was all Reliants own work,and beat the imp into being the first mass produced all alloy engine in the UK.These late models will do the ton in favourable conditions,revving to 7000,of course with the engine by your legs it sounds like your screaming it when you aren't.Last car sold in the UK with all round drum brakes and points too. A perfect case of If you have to ask you will never understand.

[@paultasker7788]

I'd love to see someone do 100 mph in one of these especially with a side wind 😂 it's probably scary enough at 70

[@danielrodd5364]

@@paultasker7788 I have! 40hp in a car weighing 400kg goes quite a long way

[@christaylor5332]

I’ve managed an indicated 95 in one of my dad’s many rialtos, fun isn’t it? 😂

[@siraff4461]

My Grandad was a toolmaker for Sunbeam and Villiers way back when. He never bothered with a car license because he liked bikes. He had three of these things - a Regal mk1, a Regal mk2 and a "super" Robin - all brand new when he got them. They really are that unstable - I've been in them a few times on two wheels - though they can be collected even from the brink so long as you know how and you would have to be asking for it to let it roll. I have also been in the Super Robin with it showing 90mph on the speedo and even though I've lived quite the life I can't remember any time I felt such genuine fear mixed with exhileration.

[@gjclark2478]

My neighbour had a 76 from new as he had a m/c license and it was cheap and cheerful motoring. I grew up without a car as my parents couldn't drive. And believe it or not, I was jealous of my friends being able to go to a town 6 miles away to visit a "supermarket" a luxury we didn't have in our village in the middle of nowhere.......... This was the 0's and early 80's I will add 😆

[@peterriggall8409]

Thanks for the videoes throughout the year. Your enthusiasm comes through on each and every one. The Robin would be a lot of fun for SHORT commutes, emphasis on the short. 😆

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks for watching, Peter - it's definitely not a grand tourer 😅

[@kieranwhite6647]

Wishing the team at Classics World a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for a brilliant year of content and vast array of cars reviewed!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Kieran, appreciate the kind words! Happy Christmas! 😁

[@keithe8449]

I had a 1975 Reliant Robin from 1981 to 1984..I had a full motorcycle license. I bought a Mini as soon as I passed my driving test in 84 🙂 That's not to say that I didn't love my Robin.. driving technique different to that of a car and was more pleasant than riding my motorbike in the winter.

[@ktclm0617]

Absolutely love your road tests, a treat every time a new one appears. Thank you!. Must confess also that your delivery of the line…..”and tech”….has become a catch phrase at home. 😂. A happy and prosperous new year to all the team 👍

[@u28909z]

I had a '76 Kitten for 30 years in the family. We covered 270000 miles in it. It was what it was, but was easy to fix, and always got me home. I would still have it if the chassis frame hadn't finally rusted beyond repair. It was I suppose a kind of inverted snobbery, I was amused by the way other road users looked at it.

[@RichardMaguire110]

I like Reliant Three Wheelers. I enjoy getting the most car from minimal materials meaning design has to be innovative. I learned to drive in a Mini and most of the cars I have owned are 2CVs. I like small cars and today I drive a Seat Mii the most poerful car I have owned in my 40 years of driving. The Mii handles well and has a revvy little engine along with stellar fuel economy.

[@peterthwaites5891]

I had a Bond Bug which was mechanically very similar to the Robin and brilliant fun... being quite low and having a wide rear track it was surprisingly stable (within limits) even at an indicated 80 mph!

[@darthvirago]

I had a Bond bug. Loved it. Worth a great deal of money now. wished I'd kept it now.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

80mph in that? You are mad! But, Merry Christmas!

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@darthviragoBond bug is my dream car, or an AC Invacar.

[@frglee]

The body is rustproof, but the frames are not of course. One reason for their success in later years was a considerable community of Reliant enthusiasts (who waved to each other when passing!) who were just not interested in any other car and were happy to pay over the odds for them new. And being experienced with three-wheelers, drove happily and sensibly well within the limits of the vehicle. Were they really dangerous? Probably not. The small cars were quite economical too, for servicing, parts, fuel economy and insurance and were fairly simple and reliable. Older used examples could be good value for basic transport. So there maybe was a case for such vehicles.

[@660einzylinder]

All the three wheeler frames were galvanised from about 1982 when the Rialto replaced the Mk1 Robin.

[@johnsaunders1945]

Thanks for a fun video, Mr Smiley and Mr Grumpy 😊 You didn't attempt a steep hill, though, which was one of the Reliant's weaknesses, I believe.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Next time!

[@johnsaunders1945]

@@ClassicsWorldUK Look forward to it! 🥴

[@johnclements6852]

This is the first car I've ever seen described as a laxative - well said, Phil. Joe should definitely buy it, a good shopping trolley without worrying about dents in the carpark as it's fiberglass. Well done, chaps, keep calm, and carry on as the saying goes. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Christchurch New Zealand.

[@RetroRich2000]

I drove one of these at The Great British Car Journey, through their Drive Dad's Car package. My Dad never owned one, however my mates Dad owned a Regal (That did tip, going around a roundabout). I absolutely loved driving one of these, they are a great thing to experience and a lot of fun was had!

[@fasthracing]

Going on Autotrader as I type. I need one of these in my life.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

You do!

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Phil was like: Can we actually finish this test drive without dying? Joe was like: Yeah, a lot of fun! Haha, Merry Christmas!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks for watching, happy Christmas! 😁

[@nealeburgess6756]

I travelled as a passenger in several different Regals and Supervans, including one 200 mile journey in the back (I was 16 at the time). I have also driven later Reliants short distances. They are capable and practical. However, I amin no hurry to go and buy one. I will stick to my 1983 Ford Escort 1.1L for economy motoring. That is still capable of doing long journeys tirelessly (400 miles each way trip recently).

[@Darwinion]

I've got the older Regal saloon model, with the same 850cc engine. Goes well enough on the motorway cruising at 60mph. And if you take the trouble to soundproof the car under the carpet (easy job) it quietens it down a hella lot. Although there isn't much room in the front width wise, the leg room stretch is excellent. Puts a Mini to shame in that department.

[@petert8729]

I just noticed the part about the snow you featured my old rialto that I drove in the beast from the east

[@scratch1924]

One of the funniest drives i ever had was in one of these. A mate had bought it, but he needed someone to drive it back, so i offered. I laughed the entire 30 journey... Because the front wheel is in the middle of the lane (countryside roads too) where it ever rarely gets used, it's bumpier than the smoother part of the road normal cars travel. So it was bouncing along everywhere haha.. And the gearbox clicked in to gear like it was an arcade machine... I'd never own one, but they are a laugh to drive..

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Hilarious, aren't they? -Joe

[@jemma_19988]

I own a few popular classics Some I have owned for years I still get caught out all the time about sometimes obvious details which I suppose I should know as an owner Some folks I have met have been staggered about this I just enjoy them without getting feeling obliged to become an expert @@stevenmoran4060

[@nickpridding3435]

The Reliant 3 wheel cars were made to suit the working man who would normally be using a motorcycle… most families would have a motorcycle and sidecar so being used to keeping all 3 wheels on the ground was already well practiced so the great advantages warm and dry all year round. Being able to carry groceries home without having a sidecar go anywhere without having to worry about wet weather clothing boots helmet large gloves.. this was my childhood and I can say motorcycle’s have always been in my life but when mum and dad bought a Reliant as well as having the bike and sidecar . Our family was grateful of the warm dry environment in winter.

[@247SH]

I used to drive my Robins in the remotest parts of the Lincolnshire Wolds, in deep snow just for fun, on my motorcycle licence. It never got stuck. The manager at the dealership in Grimsby was called Robin. A friend opened the passenger door of my Robin and it blew off the hinges in the wind. 🤣🤣

[@garethshaw5165]

My uncle had a yellow Robin on an “R” 1976 plate. He used to tell me it had a Ferrari engine when I was little because it felt rapid 😂. Incidentally he was a keen motorcyclist and bought the Robin to get to work at the post office in Huyton on Merseyside

[@broggiemonstermonster3385]

Problem with them was on a country lane where there was dirt in the middle of the road under braking you could not steer, it would plough straight on with the front wheel locked up.....

[@AndrewwMK]

Love it. Have looked many times. Looks like a nice example in the video tooo

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Glad you like it!

[@DonCarnaje]

This was a fun video! You should do more videos with the two of you driving weird cars.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

More to come!

[@Steven-f281]

I absolutely hated robins as a kid as my dad had them but now at 48 I've just bought a mk 1 robin and yes it's terrible to drive but I'm totally in love with it 😂

[@johnbristow8099]

The point about Reliant three wheelers (I owned two of them) was that they had a lightweight body on a steel chassis, so the centre of gravity was low. I had a roof rack on my first one, and no worries at all about stability.

[@poolfarm2]

I've owned a 1971 Regal for over 20 years now and it's great fun, it was advertised as ''Free to Collector'' it's not my only vehicle but it's definitely the most fun to drive (70 mph in a Regal is as scarey as 170 in a 911!) What I like most though, is that it can be driven in a ULEZ, is tax exempt, requires no mot, gives 64 mpg and cost £54 fully comp a year to insure (limited to 2000 miles a year) ,,, surely cheaper than a bus pass?

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Another good video and merry Christmas 🎉🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊⭐️👍👍👏👏👏

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Jimmy, merry Christmas!

[@michaelbacon561]

Reliant did produce a 4 wheel version way back when called the Kitten which Car Magazine quite liked, but all the advantages of light weight, nippy performance and good 4 wheel handling were negated by its high cost, probably due to its fibreglass construction, so it didn't last long.

[@morini500dave]

I have a kitten and love it.drove it today too.

[@Zeem4]

Don't forget the Rebel, the Kitten's predecessor. It was also a bit expensive, but they didn't build many because the factory was too busy building Regals. Otherwise they may have sold more.

[@fasthracing]

Mostly sold to people with just a motorcycle licence. Toyed with having a Robin myself once upon a time.

[@annbullock7622]

Well the engine is built in house not Coventry climax ,, put gb minelights , with wider tyres on , to drive quickly go gently on steering, but heavy on throttle , a good 850 can reach 100 mph, and you can tune them for 90 HP or moor

[@BN1960]

There's currently 2 Regal vans on Autrader decked out in the inevitable Trotters livery Both up for north of £12k! Some fools (or horses) will buy them and have regrets after about 10 minutes

[@josephgaviota]

I did like Phil's shirt.

[@garetteasdale7064]

i had 2, a 750 supervan, and a 850 plastic pig, would gladly have another great fun

[@philbedford8979]

Coming from a true Northern mining town (Castleford, that had 6 mines in my lifetime) back in the 70's and 80's, I never saw that many of these....

[@danieljames2015]

Got into a Robin early 80's Earls Court, I couldn't believe how cramped it was, I'm 5'11 , and I had to dip my head and twist my legs because of the engine housing. Undrivable. And expensive too, you could get a basic Mini for that. Cute looks though..

[@660einzylinder]

I'm 6'4" with size 11 feet, drove Robins and Rialtos from the late 80's too about five years ago, never a problem getting in them...

[@danieljames2015]

@@660einzylinder well the show exhibit (80-82?) i got into made me lower my head down because i was touching the headlining, and my legs were pushed offset to the right because of the intrusive engine couling .Maybe i am much taller than i thought..

[@raychambers3646]

There is a guy near us who has customised a few of these wide wheels and rear wing etc.

[@keithhooper6123]

Reliant might have been more expensive then a new mass market car, but you get rust proof body, easy maintenance, and,character , missing in many cars these days. I like the Kitten estate.

[@stewartshackleton7825]

Three wheels around Killingworth. What’s not to like?

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Absolutely!

[@Darwinion]

It's true that some miners bought these, but I think that gets overplayed too much. It was mainly bikers that had no car licence, that suddenly found themselves with a partner and/or kids. Motorcycle/sidecar wasn't gonna cut it (aka Arthur and Olive) and these were pure luxury in comparison. When I was looking to buy one about 7 years ago, I was amazed at the number of cars that appeared in the Devon/Cornwall area. Not really a northern thing going on there.

[@richardhaigh7852]

That's a shout from the early 80s. I granddad at 1. And we went to Scarborough in it for the holidays. What a next.😢😅

[@danielelston7457]

Sid Cox. Robin Reliant Legend of Motcombe, Dorset. Rest in Peace Sid.

[@giulianomarco]

Hope you were listening to UFO's "Let It Roll"... 😋👍

[@MRBLACKWOLFBODHI]

I was wondering I am a disabled learning to drive can U put a automatic gearbox into robin I have right sided weak Ness due to a stroke as a baby

[@maestromanification]

Interior is a right BL parts bin raid. Switches were in Minis, allegros and Marinas to name 3 Ashtray is maestro montego. Could be swapped for digital econometer like the HLE!

[@mrjed6912]

In 1985 the Reliant engine went from the yellow Top HTE in the Rialto 2 to the normal 850 which was not the same as the one before. In 1985 and onwards the power was 29.8hp and 84Nm instead of 64Nm. Also had nothing to do with Coventry Climax Yes it does have 30hp, but has decent torque. Also the stability is very dependent on the condition of the leaf springs. If they are almost straight and there is no gap between the wheel and the wheel arch, you will expect to see more body roll than in a factory Reliant. When Reliant cars left the factory they were stiff and lifting a wheel was more difficult.

[@markcolston2930]

Not unsafe at all if driven as it should,I had loads and they served me well,they hold the road well.

[@stevenmccolm1531]

The Robin would be ideal to convert into a EV.

[@mickkingston1450]

Great for London. Ulez proof lol.

[@davidluck4608]

It’s unlikely to ROLL” if you drive it in reverse as in the Morgan configuration 😉

[@darthvirago]

had a one back in 1980. never rolled it and it was reliable.

[@oliverstemp9132]

And Vauxhall Corsa headlights

[@RWL2012]

Yeah Vauxhall Corsa B front lights (replaced the previously fitted Ford Fiesta Mk2 front lights), and Ford Escort Van Mk4 rear lights.

[@NickKnott-ve3on]

❤ Hello all you motorists the mini the first one was an absolute piece of junk ,😮 i was an apprentice engineer when the mini was introduced to the public at large 😮 it was very noisy very uncomfortable very unreliable aspecialy in the rain and came with a latge subsidy by the TaX PAYER , it was a good car 🚗 but only in your dreams 😂 stay safe and be happy , ❤,

[@Richard-Bullock]

Poor sod looked genuinely petrified! I bet his fingers were white from gripping the passenger seat so hard.

[@grayfool]

Try it in a decent side wind and see how much fun you are having then. Hideous things.

[@johndilloway9762]

You think that's leaning, try a 2cv then you know what leaning is !!😄😄

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

A 2CV is stable and usually stays on all four wheels, though... 😅

[@TheVintageApplianceEmporium]

Possibly the most embarrassing product of the entire British Motor Industry. Shameful that they were still on sale in 2001. Forty years ago my father had a Reliant Supervan III - one day he was going up a hill and was overtaken by a cyclist! He came home from work, told us this and put the van up for sale the next day 😅

[@247SH]

Anyone converted a Robin to electric?

[@Zeem4]

There are some videos on KZbin where someone in the Netherlands has converted a 70s Robin to electric power.

[@jibjab351]

If you think that is unstable, try driving without a passenger.

[@mrjed6912]

Only if you have worn leaf springs.

[@chriswright4252]

Never have and never will like or give any credibility to the reliant 👎

[@Curiosity_Cars]

the passenger was kinda grumpy/annoying. such a moaner lol

[@Kiinell]

Honestly I could never see the point at all. Apart from the driving on a motorcycle licence there didn't appear to be any benefit to having one of these. Death traps and overpriced.

[@alexpanting4177]

It's awful , a great laugh, a foot note in history but I couldn't understand anyone wanting to own one as a classic on the basis it lacks chrome, curves, walnut, leather, style, speed, refinement, driving dynamics................... Street cred, heritage, motorsport pedigree and ill leave it there 😂😂😂😂

[@3wheeler1000]

... then you need to stick to an E-type while these historical gems are simply scrapped, as thats all they deserve. Heritage it has in spades, motorsport pedigree- a 2nd tier with a chassis engineered by Graham Hills Chief Engineer (truly) and street cred? Well, not in the traditional sense, but definately in the sense of those who know anything about Reliant and Motoring history! :)

[@alexpanting4177]

@3wheeler1000 definitely don't deserve scrapping and there's someone for everything but rather you than me, I like chrome and long bonnets