Del Boy-style three-wheel Reliant Robins are set to fetch £16k at auction – but there’s a catch
A GROUP of Del Boy-style Reliant Robins are up for auction for just £16,000 – but there’s a catch.
Seven examples of the iconic model made famous as David Jason’s legendary ride in Only Fools and Horses are hitting the market today.
These include a 1999 blue Reliant van like the one that appeared in the beloved comedy series, which is expected to fetch £2,500.
There is also a 1978 MkI Robin, tipped to sell for £4,000, and an SLX Special 65 Edition which could go for £3,000.
The retro Reliants are part of a collection of classic cars being sold by Ewbank’s in Woking, Surrey, this morning.
Their previous owner sadly passed away and their cars are not being auctioned off.
However, there are a couple of issues with some of the cars in the sale.
The MkI has no valid MOT as it is classed as a “historic” vehicle.
While MOT certification is not required to drive it, given it’s age it is probably wise to have a professional make sure it is roadworthy before taking it for a spin.
The historic classification does, though, have some advantages, as the car is also exempt from road tax.
Likewise, the SLX has some water damage to the carpet, the cause of which has since been repaired, as well as soon peeling on the bonnet.
It can still travel in style though, with a red leather interior and swish alloy wheels fitted over the years.
And the van is in almost pristine condition and was described as a “desirable” motor, but does need a new tyre at the back.
Reliant was a Staffordshire-based manufacturer that operated between 1935 and 2002.
It was best known for its quirky, three-wheeled cars and became part of British Leyland in the 1970s.
The cars found TV fame as the daily drive of Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter in the ’80s side-splitter Only Fools and Horses.
It was also the subject of an episode of Top Gear, in which Jeremy Clarkson repeatedly rolled what he later revealed to be a heavily tinkered-with Robin as a jibe at the car’s unique layout.
The auction comes after a Morris Minor, understood to be just the seventh ever made, with just 15,000 miles on the clock sold for £22,000.
Meanwhile, a unique version of a beloved classic Jaguar went on sale with a sprinkling of design magic from Swarovski, who covered it in crystals.