Highlights
- Barn find
- Complete vehicle
- Untouched for over a decade
THE BACKGROUND
The Reliant Supervan is a small three-wheeled van that was manufactured from 1952 to 1973 by the Reliant Motor Company in Tamworth, England.
This unique tricycle/car hybrid has cemented itself as an icon in British culture with famous appearances in TV Programs Only Fools & Horses and Mr Bean. Boasting a top speed of 70 mph from its 700cc engine, this 3rd version of the Supervan was more popular than its saloon car counterpart thanks to its non car licence requirement, cheaper tax and vehicle cost.
This unique tricycle/car hybrid has cemented itself as an icon in British culture with famous appearances in TV Programs Only Fools & Horses and Mr Bean. Boasting a top speed of 70 mph from its 700cc engine, this 3rd version of the Supervan was more popular than its saloon car counterpart thanks to its non car licence requirement, cheaper tax and vehicle cost.
THE HISTORY
Owned and used as a promotional tool for the current owners past business, this 1973 registered Supervan has spent most of its life in deepest Cornwall before being garaged and left untouched for over a decade.
An advertisement tool with Trotter influence, this vehicle was planned to be restored but life, time and everything else got in the way.
An advertisement tool with Trotter influence, this vehicle was planned to be restored but life, time and everything else got in the way.
THE PAPERWORK
No paperwork other than a V5c document is present.
THE EXTERIOR
Cobwebs and dust cover most of the fibreglass body, there’s no hiding it's in need of some love to get it back to its factory quality. A paint job to replicate the famous Trotter wagon, used in the TV show Only Fools & Horses, made this vehicle a perfect promotional tool in its previous life.
Even though it’s age is catching up with it, the vehicle is in reasonable condition. Many trims and parts are still present, doors, handles, mirrors are all present, albeit a little tired.
Even though it’s age is catching up with it, the vehicle is in reasonable condition. Many trims and parts are still present, doors, handles, mirrors are all present, albeit a little tired.
THE INTERIOR
Much like the outside, the interior is tired. However, underneath those forgotten years there is some good.
Dials and switches look unbroken and all intact, the spare wheel is present and the glass looks free from any cracks or issues. Perfection would require a complete overhaul, but from what we can see the foundations are good for a rebuild.
Dials and switches look unbroken and all intact, the spare wheel is present and the glass looks free from any cracks or issues. Perfection would require a complete overhaul, but from what we can see the foundations are good for a rebuild.
THE MECHANICS
The original engine is present and pictured but the car was not moved or started during our visit. The owner thinks the brakes have seized and the battery is flat. No attempt was made to test this and the vehicle was left in the same location that it has been since being driven in.
THE APPEAL
This cult classic has been a favourite of the British public for years, Del Boy and Rodney, Mr Bean and even Jeremy Clarkson have all contributed to this three wheelers fame.
Without question, this is the type of vehicle that puts smiles on faces wherever it goes, it's a national, if not international, attention grabber and while it needs a good bit of time and effort to get it on the road again, it's a very good starting point with the body, original engine and most trims included.
Without question, this is the type of vehicle that puts smiles on faces wherever it goes, it's a national, if not international, attention grabber and while it needs a good bit of time and effort to get it on the road again, it's a very good starting point with the body, original engine and most trims included.
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