1-194-183 - National Motor Museum/Heritage Images

1954 Reliant Regal, Mk 1. Tom Lawrence Williams founded the Reliant Engineering Company in 1935, taking over manufacture of the three-wheeled Raleigh delivery van. The Regal was Reliant's first passenger car. Exported from 1952, and available on the home market the following year, it had an Austin 7 based engine, which Reliant used until the early 1960s! The Regal was advertised as 'Family Motoring on Three Wheels. Less tax. Less insurance. Less petrol. Up to 50mpg. Cruising speed 45mph.' With good acceleration, lively handling and lightweight, aluminium body allowing a road tax of only £5, it was a practical alternative to the motorcycle combination.