Project Recap: How I saved my 1983 Reliant Fox 'Foxanne.'

A quick chat about how I saved this little Reliant pick-up truck from engineless mess, to hand-painted, re-engined mess! I also talk through some Reliant history, including three-wheelers and the origin of Reliant's own all-alloy engine.
Lovely HubNut goodies can be purchased at hubnut.org where you'll also find support options.
Or, support HubNut at / hubnut or via Channel memberships: / @hubnut
Don't forget to like the video if you like it, and share with your friends if you really like it! Thank you all.
#Reliant #British #ClassicVan

[@giddy2shoes183]

A hand painted Reliant Fox, noisy cows and a random sock, plus a potted history of Reliant cars. What a wonderful way to spend 20 odd minutes! Hubnut should be prescribed on the NHS as a cure for the daily grind! Keep up the great work Ian.

[@matty6848]

Agreed. I find Ian’s videos so relaxing to watch after a hard day👍

[@benholroyd5221]

As a cure for insomnia?

[@matty6848]

Ben Holroyd no lol just relaxing!

[@Shane_Marsh]

I could listen to Ian all day

[@grenvillephillips6998]

Foxanne is one of the most iconic vehicles of the channel. It would be a sad day to see it sold, as Rachel risked a prolapse putting the engine in, and the Professor was smiled on by the gods when he avoided setting fire to an open can of petrol, with his sparks. The Professor was slightly overdressed for this one, as I was hoping to see the famous HubNut jumper, which is as distressed and patinated as his collection of vehicles. Glad to see the workshop getting as artfully strewn as Tracey Emin's bed.

[@davidmg1925]

What on earth does iconic mean.

[@nitramyasmar]

"Symbolic, emblematic, or representative" Looks great on a mug, hoodie or T shirt!

[@SuperCanuck777]

@@davidmg1925 idolized for what something is?

[@fritzkuhne2055]

foxanne seems impressively outdated for her time. we love her even more for it ;D

[@agingwheels]

What a delightful little plastic van. The interior looks rather familiar too

[@HubNut]

Thank you. I still want a three-wheeled Reliant though...

[@andynightingale7335]

@@HubNut must admit that would be fun seeing you trazzing around Wales in a Robin.

[@SFB1961]

Ian, i think Foxanne should be a keeper. Its one of those cars we wished we would have kept. Keep up the good work your knowledge/research is extraudinary

[@thedeadstig123]

Bit of trivia for you, the reliant fox was actually a stop gap originally, reliant wanted a vehicle quick to build to keep the factory workers busy until the reliant SS1 sports car was ready for production its one of the reasons why most foxes were built in 1983/84 but after that very few were made as they didn't have their own dedicated production line

[@Thecrazyvaclav]

Can't believe you mentioned the scimitar without saying "princess Anne had one of those" I thought it was the law to say that. Very William Woollard top gear type presentation as well

[@seancooke4127]

Didn't warm to FoxAnn at the beginning but as I watched the story I became more enthusiastic. I hope that Rachel received a very large box of Chocs or big bottle of something for hauling the engine about. I was really hooked during the roadtrip with the Engine Temp Anxiety. Paint and Sign Writing are both Iconic now. She must be preserved.

[@Jase777jase]

Subtle nod to Dr Seuss... not Fox in socks, but socks in Fox. Genius.

[@geoffbaker4452]

Please don't sell. She's one of the reasons I subscribed. Reminds me of my Kitten ownership days.

[@gg_vard]

I've always had a soft spot of Foxanne due to it's Greek heritage, a trip to Greece would be an amazing road trip. There was this short time in history when there were a lot of this type of vehicles produced in Greece, due to some law that classified them as commercial vehicles. There was also the NAMCO Pony (with a 2CV and very late ones with Ford) , the MAVA Farma and Farma Σ (Renault) and the Automeccanica Zebra (Daihatsu)

[@volvos60bloke]

reliant is a BRISHIT brand and part of are herritage.

[@MattBrownbill]

My Proton Jumbuck pickup got exported to Greece...

[@PurityVendetta]

Sad I didn't see any of these cars when I lived in Greece. Perhaps I was living in the wrong part of the country.

[@stuartwilkie4887]

Maybe the aggro with the front suspension was like a Greek woman's revenge!

[@benholroyd5221]

@@volvos60bloke"Brishit" is that a typo or intended?

[@admiralalcatraz6080]

I really like Foxanne, just so different.

[@stephenjcuk7562]

Foxanne is the essence of Hubnut. The list of jobs and non working gauges seems never ending. Choke, idle, manifold, fuel tank etc, yet you still delight in it's turning circle and peppy engine. The list of reasons to keep her is a lot shorter than the reasons to get rid yet something just won't let you let her go. It is totally 'branded' Hubnut with its hand painted sign and emulsion paint job. I really never thought I'd be saying "no don't do it" about the potential sale of Foxanne. Great retrospective video.

[@paulpan2553]

Give me HubNut over Shmee any day 👍

[@davewright7512]

Paul Pan to be fair I watch both and like both for different reasons but yes hubnut is my fave

[@davidfoster1762]

Hubnut for me by far over Shmee. But Shmee driving his Mclaren Senna at the Nurburgring is worth watching , the speed compared to other cars on the circuit is massive . And scarey at times.

[@neilwalsh4058]

Nice to see Foxanne again, loved your series on saving it. Great job done on your own to get that back on the road. The Fiat bits give it its style too 👍🇮🇹

[@Mariazellerbahn]

17:50. Loving the Daktari paint job.

[@ingopaul67]

That steering wheel centre boss always gives me the heebie-jeebies.

[@citizenerased1992]

Agreed! it needs a clean at least!

[@micheltebraake7915]

Keeping a car fleet running requires some management, especially financially. Keep doing the good work Ian!

[@pepitosbazzeguti1073]

Finally, the almighty FOX! Probably you knew that already, but originally the style was taken from the fiat fiore "gipsy", which is very similar in the front end

[@HubNut]

THANK YOU! I knew there was a Fiat that looked similar, but could not recall what it was called.

[@skodakatie7341]

It’s been great to reacquainted with Fox Ann, she is such a cute little vehicle, plus I’ve always had a soft spot for Reliants, particularly the lovely three wheeler range.

[@MPPelli]

0:55 Reliant Scimitar? Princess Anne had one, you know. ;)

[@gunnergav]

🤣 There's always one...

[@menditman2004]

Reliant Scimitar I know where there’s a large building full of them.

[@davecatt462]

I must admit foxanne is my favourite, I have been enjoying project foxanne again this week

[@Dan-hq2js]

Nice to see more on the fox, the tinkering with the car the engine work and fitting / recomissioning of her is some of the best content so far.

[@richardorchard5197]

Please keep Foxanne,such a happy little vehicle.

[@automotivepleasures5960]

I am not going to make joke about why their is one sock in the back, children are watching. Another purchase coming and still so much to do on your other fine specimens. I envy you at times how do you keep sane with all these projects.

[@jwsoaresjones1560]

Fix the petrol leak first, Ian! A burnt Fox is an unhappy Fox, that's my feeling. On the second matter, Foxanne should be designated as the Sole Proprietor sort-of-Media-Company Truck.

[@mattw8332]

Get well soon Ian. I hate colds. I think Foxanne deserves a set of chrome hubcaps.

[@HubNut]

Cheers. I quite fancy some slot mags...

[@stoatrepublic]

The Reliant Ant was so underrated and was by far the most useful of all the Reliants...

[@MrGarethDHughes]

Good looking little van that has aged very gracefully. I was surprised that it did not sell that well until you informed us that it was a lot more expensive than a metro van. Makes sense now. At least rust will not be an issue 😃

[@davidy80]

As a former Kitten owner, I approve this video!

[@andynightingale7335]

Fox Anne must stay, I remember watching that video when you got the replacement engine running on the garage floor.

[@bentullett6068]

I can't believe that paint has lasted that long, I am guessing the next stage is valeting the messy interior. Plus I loved the conversation you had with aging wheels with his new blue Reliant Robin.

[@citizenerased1992]

I missed that, where can I find it?

[@bentullett6068]

@@citizenerased1992 the conversation Ian had with aging wheels is in the comments section, be warned it takes a few scrolls to find it.

[@davidflamee]

Good to see Foxanne back in favour. The 340 seats are a great choice and the removable bonnet another fine improvement. Looking forward to more Foxanne improvement videos.

[@romac9516]

Ngl, I don't lust after Foxanne like I do Elly but it was the episode when you painted her with emulsion that hooked me into the Hubnut fam, and a delight it's been ever since :)

[@WatfordWobble]

Foxanne is a cutie. Hope you are feeling better soon. Loved this posting.

[@goingundersground]

Thanks Mr Hubnut, a great video. Keep Foxanne going at all costs! I like to watch your videos when taking a break from restoring my Morris Minor and you always give me hope...

[@billy2rivers1]

My mate had a kitten on the road legal haha and I was so jealous because he had passed his test. Just before me. I passed my test and drove my dads 1750 maxi for ages then my brother got a 6.6 trans am it only had open headers and sounded bloody great .its the one car I wish was still around. They are both gone now but bloody good memories.

[@danielpothier9990]

Mooo, because Hubnut. Thanks for the Foxanne story. Moooooo MOOOOOO!!!

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

Nice to see and hear about Foxanne again👍

[@HiyaEverybody.]

I've only just found out about this car a few hours ago and I saw a version called a Reliant Fox Tandy Campervan. I want one very very much. So your video is really cool and helpful, thank you.

[@tonycox5625]

Work on one at a time Ian, then move on to the next. My calendar has just arrived so thanks to Rachael and George. Oh, and get well soon!😊

[@mrbwa1]

I love the diversity of the fleet. Not a single thing there most Americans would recognize other than maybe Ellie.

[@saxon-mt5by]

I love Foxanne's new zebra stripes!

[@HubNut]

I get some funky lighting moments in this place.

[@PurityVendetta]

The Fox is a fab little car, all alloy engine... fab! Sad story about the original engine. Probably my favourite of all your cars. You definitely NEED Foxanne. A friend of ours was a draughtsman for Reliant at one time. He's still a draughtsman and has helped me out learning CAD/CAM. Hope you're feeling better soon.

[@kevinwhelan8126]

Talking about the Mk1 Mini the van’s door hinges appear identical, while the door handles look like those of a much later Mini. An endearing little vehicle nevertheless, many thanks for sharing 😀

[@grayfool]

Foxanne is a cool little girl. Glad to hear you gonna keep her for a while yet. Get well soon Ian. Take care.

[@stevenjoy3537]

Foxanne. The only car that makes a Series Land Rover seem refined

[@JohnDoe-ox5ni]

I think the foxes main market would have been farmers and gamekeepers as they would have appreciated the rot free easy to clean flexible bodywork and good ground clearance and light weight probably would have mention it could do a bit of light offroading as long as it dident get silly.just like a small ATV for your older gentleman who wanted s bit more comfort and I bet the engine was probably good for 40 mpg too that would negate the need for a diesel as most country types can run their tractors and 4x4 on the tax free red diesel at 50p a ltr as long as they have applied for a agricultural vehicle tax exemption you don't have to tax or mot your 4x4 car every year.Happy days.

[@wackyrc1394]

Thank you HubNut, all very lovely! Next year perhaps a cool Scimitar 👍

[@mr-wx3lv]

The fox has a lot of rustic charm.. has a kind of eastern bloc appearance I think... I've seen weird and wonderful things when I went to Poland..

[@64lammy]

Foxanne with a nice all one colour paint job nice wide steels and lowered

[@stepheng8779]

Excellent Ian 👍 still drooling over that Sabre picture

[@andrewdenine1685]

Oh man I would live to have this for my electrical work . I could just imagine people's faces as I pull up in that for a commercial or residential job with ladders on to and a conduit tube on top lol . That would be priceless

[@craigmclean8260]

...would be sort of a modern equivalent to a "Wallace and Grommit" trade!

[@Bicyclehub]

Good video and nice quality camerawork on the stationary camera. I think it's better to speak to a still camera. Foxanne is a really interesting member of the fleet and I always enjoy seeing her, particularly since she's so rare. Something very British about her, like a Land Rover. Reliant was a fantastic company with many great ideas.

[@markpitt5248]

It is not my favourite of your fleet but on watching this I am warming to Foxanne, the more I see the more I like.

[@huntsbychainsaw5986]

State of the fleet address! Lol. I really would miss Foxanne if she were gone but I completely understand if she needs to go. I think it would be a mistake to let Myrtle go though, you have such a unique history with her and that is something you can't buy.

[@craigja1667]

My favorite bit was your painting

[@davidcarver9587]

The fox is my fav .....great to hear the history and more footage.....please don't sell😁👍

[@williamross2579]

Neighbour of mine had the camper version... in a lovely sage green

[@alanlansdell7533]

Wait.....whaaaaat, the camper version, surely not.....

[@hunchanchoc8418]

@@alanlansdell7533 Tandy. Amazing really. Wonder how it compares to a Bedford Rascal one (?)

[@craigmclean8260]

Nice historical review of Foxanne, in spite of bellerin' cows, and the random sock (maybe someone, at some time, told the previous owner to "put a sock in it"; he had one on hand, so...)! Glad to hear she'll remain a part of the fleet, and am looking forward to the next acquisition! I guess the worn bushings, or dampers, could account for the vibration in the wheel I noticed when you were driving? Stay well, drink lots of tea; we need these tinkering videos! Your channel, and "Vice Grip Garage" are my favorites!

[@frglee]

Always enjoyable and interesting, thanks!

[@moonhogg]

In answer to your question near the end, Ian, yes, it *is* entertaining, don't worry! Keep the videos coming!

[@kevinseddon6860]

Talkies are just as interesting as the dooies! Great vid Ian, thanks👍

[@paulbennell3313]

Love that wee thing!

[@chrisbury4635]

Good to see Foxanne back out, hope you find time to fettle the little issues mate 😊

[@grahamclark4518]

Its always handy having a van on fleet. Care aren`t about you need , If you thought about whets sensible life would be dull, even predicable. Your fashioned for a nobler calling

[@williamross2579]

Get well soon Ian... keep warm, loving all the vids and cars

[@tonysplodge44]

Utterly brilliant Ian, you answered all my unasked questions going back ages, and it was really good to get the whole history. Thanks a million.

[@martinburgess4814]

Do love all your fleet, especially, took, and fox ann

[@julianmoreau3281]

Foxanne is the main reason why I started following this channel. I saw the whole process of, I don't want to say restauration, but improvement, and I really came to appreciate you Ian. So I stayed for a little longer

[@AllThingsAlex]

Thanks for this Ian. Just what i needed after a tiring day at work!

[@ginggur17]

Would be interesting seeing the progress with the Delica.

[@unbalancedcrank]

Thank you very much for coming out when you feel so grotty, and giving us a really interesting video. I love Foxanne! Get well soon.

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, cheered my Friday up, so thank you Mr HubNut.

[@leelovegrove]

Foxanne is my favourite in your "fleet" Ian. Why anyone else should care, I don't know.

[@1066gaz]

Top video. Nicely put together & presented ian.

[@TheCarTakerGarage]

Thank you once again for a lovely video.It fit so well with my cup of tea ,sitting down after a long day at work :) Greetings from Norway ,Stefan

[@a11csc]

love foxanne and nice fleet update ian

[@jaymz9815]

Nice catch up with foxanne thanks mate

[@barryjackson8512]

I love foxanne. Looks fantastic

[@nissanman5738]

Lovely video of the growing fleet . Get well soon Ian

[@kinkyspannertwister6843]

I WANT lol the perfect addition to my '79 GTE

[@mikes747]

Good see you falling in love with the Fox again!

[@lewishart9698]

That cold engine purr is eargasmic 😍

[@frazzleface753]

Foxanne is a superb Hubnut win! Getting the engine working, fitting it and getting the whole thing roadworthy for a long trip. Mighty impressive if you ask me 😃

[@gryfandjane]

It was wonderful to see Foxanne in action again, and I must say that I’m enjoying the farmyard ambience. Stay well and stay safe!

[@frankie5341]

Lovely engaging little car, simple pleasures and worth investing in, thanks for the vid.

[@davidvickers4228]

Fantastic collection of cars all rear and special in there own way 👍

[@daniellee9015]

Ian you are brilliant at your videos talking through the history of reliant thoroughly brilliant get well soon mate

[@StevesMachines]

I love Foxanne, its the vehicle that brought me to your channel when I'd started working on my ongoing Regal project.

[@skyrocketautomotive670]

I hadn't been as taken with this car like I have with some of your others, right up until you pulled away and smiled, and I now COMPLETELY get what a cracking bit of fun this must be, another great save, and another awesome video, cheers!

[@fhwolthuis]

Lovely update on Foxanne. I hope you get well soon, Ian!

[@Endfloat]

I actually love this car! I'd never seen one before getting onto this video series. I'd love to see you spend more time on it getting it right.

[@jamespotter3334]

They were ideal gardeners vans. I remember a guy who lived round the corner from me had one loaded up with gardening equipment.

[@waynetetley584]

Nice striped paint job at the end 😁 Love the sound of this engine

[@terabyte1695]

Im eating a Cornish pasty[which is delicious] whilst watching my favorite channel,life doesn't get better than this.

[@woollen797]

Love the odd sock. We always seem to get one left in vehicles after they've been on camping trips.

[@philipbunker146]

Nice to see Foxanne again.... always thought it an interesting car and project

[@WarriorRazor]

Hope you feel better soon, Ian. Glad Foxanne has received some love!

[@colblimp]

Lovely!

[@petergouldbourn2312]

Another great HubNut video. Pete 🇬🇧