This startling new design was intended to shake off the old image created by its motorcycle heritage – this would be a car not a van. Gone was the motorcycle front end and box body rear, the new car would be lower, and although the motor cycle heritage was still there – it would be hidden beneath a new, smooth body. The new proportions would set the design future for many years to come.
The car version came first; it could accommodate two adults and two children, and still a three wheeler, it would look as close as possible to a conventional four wheeled car. This was to be achieved by dispensing with the front forks; the single front wheel was hidden under a full-width, conventional looking bonnet. However, the same old sidevalve engine and crash gearbox were retained. Very large, sprung spoke steering wheel backed by a new dash panel, to the driver’s right, a cubby hole was opposite the passenger. On the bonnet nose a symbolical three rings decoration: three rings for three wheels, and a ‘Reliant’ script type badge on the front panel.
It was smaller, lower, but still built of aluminium panels over a hardwood frame. However, it would be the first (and last) with a bonnet opening full-width of the van. Its small size was vital to beat the weight limit of 8cwt in order to qualify as a
