Couple end 20-year love affair with Reliant Robins
WHEN the last Reliant Robin rolled off the assembly line on Valentine's Day, 2001, it marked the end of an era in British car-making.
But it did not end the nation's love affair with the quirky yet practical car.
The most famous belonged to Derek "Del Boy" Trotter, although experts will point out his yellow carriage of choice was actually a Reliant Regal Supervan.
Now, one Hull couple have their own "lovely jubbly" offer for Robin fans.
Mary and Maurice Lofthouse, of Bethune Avenue, west Hull, are preparing to wave farewell to their beloved Reliant Robin, which they have put up for sale following a 20-year passion for three-wheelers.
Mrs Lofthouse, 82, said: "This is the third Reliant Robin we have had and I think they are fabulous cars. People do smile when they see one on the road – not a lot of other cars do that.
"My husband loved driving them, so it was a really tough decision to sell it.
"However, we have our free bus passes and our daughter drives us places, so we can get to where we need to be.
"It will be strange once it has gone, but we will get used to it."
Mr Lofthouse, 79, said he was persuaded to sell the car by his two daughters.
He said: "I'm almost 80 years old and I think they thought I was getting a bit too old for it.
"I'll be sad to see it go as it was handy to get us to the shops and to the doctors.
"It is so economical as well – it only costs £60 a year to tax and I can get from Hull to Bridlington and back on a gallon of petrol.
"But I don't use it so much anymore, so I've decided to sell it."
Mr Lofthouse's passion for three-wheelers initially arose out of practicality more than anything else.
He said: "I passed my motorcycle test on a Honda 90 and my wife and I used to travel around on that.
"But then I was made redundant and thought it would be nice to have a three-wheeled car, as it would be a bit warmer for us both.
"You can drive a three-wheeled car with a motorcycle licence, so that's why we got one."
The couple have put their blue 1993 car in the Mail's classified advertising section, priced at £500, and hope a buyer will come forward and get as much joy from a life on three wheels as they have.
Elvis Payne, three-wheel enthusiast and creator of www.3wheelers.com, revealed why Britain has such an affection for Reliant Robins. He said: "For one, there is the eccentricity and the fact that it is completely different from most other vehicles on the road.
"Unlike a standard four-wheeler, there is hardly anything on the Reliant to rot away.
"Then you have the superb running cost, low insurance and low tax."
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by Minnie Driver, Hull
Friday, November 27 2009, 9:49AM
“These comments are funny, my dad owned a 1979 Reliant Robin (yes it was yellow), it was so much fun! On a small 850cc engine, having it screaming at 85mph on the way to Hornsea was the best! I always remember being asleep and my dad trying to start it and eventually when it did he revved the hell out of it, then the familiar smell of burning oil came up the stairs and into my room haha. I drive one of the iconic cars of the last 50 years, a mini, a great british car and its fab to drive!”
by Paul, Hull
Thursday, November 26 2009, 7:53PM
“Chris East Yorkshire, I'm an Mot tester and a fully qualified mechanic to advanced craft studied in motor vehicles. Sorry but Fiat is not a very good car make in my opinion, you'll find out when your electrics go wrong and your power steering fails costing you £500 and your brake pipes get failed on your mot for corrosion when the car is just 5 years old, oh yes and be prepered to buy a new wiper motor and linkages when the car is about 5 years old that will set you back £150 and the list goes on Chris. Me and my wife have a Toyota. To all you out there buy Japanese and steer clear of Renault Peugeot and Citreon”
by lisa young, kirkella
Thursday, November 26 2009, 6:48PM
“yep that car is sat on my drive in kirkella!! my mum and dad have just bought it!! they also drive a 16ft brand new motor home!!!!”
by Skoda driver, Hessle
Thursday, November 26 2009, 5:05PM
“All those comments have made me laugh so much I,ve wet myself!!! In the 80,s my brother had a Relaint Robin and he used to chase me to Scarborough. I well remember him overtaking down the hill to Foxholes at 85+mph! That was soooo scary to see this flying green wedge of cheese bombing down that hill!! Ah, halcyon days. Good luck to whoever buys it ( better than a FIAT anyway) . No sarcy comments about the Skoda either or I will challenge you to a 0-60 dash ( on a private road of course).. Keep 'em coming.”
by Jonathan, Hull
Thursday, November 26 2009, 4:53PM
“People are entitled to their opinions of their own vehicles. Personally I would rather have to pay a few quid more, and have a stylish, car with a reasonable amount of poke from a decent sized engine, and something German or Japanese rather than Fix It Again Tomorrow Italian, French or British. But it's all down to personal choice. So don't knock this gent for his love of three-wheelers or Chris for his horrible (lol) Punto.”
by Rocker, South Yorkshire
Thursday, November 26 2009, 4:46PM
“I get as much fun out of my 45 year old Reliant Regal as i do my XJ6 Jag, Thats what motoring should be about.
A car is more than A to B if you haven't realised that by now enjoy your Fiat / Euro rot box, with its built in obscurity and chuck away design.”
by Billy, Hull
Thursday, November 26 2009, 1:46PM
“I recall one of my mates had a robin relient and through a cig out of the car window, it flew back in and he nearly tipped the thing dodging the flying cig.
Mind a lot of ex bikers in the early 80's who I knew bought releints.”
by I Love, My Car :)
Thursday, November 26 2009, 1:06PM
“Hey come on everyone calm down. I notice a lot of the people having a go at Chris don't mention what cars they drive! We all like our own cars and like the saying goes each to their own. All cars have their weak points and if you are involved in crash, whatever car you drive, there is a risk of serious injury so let's get back to the story in question. This is a fun, upbeat story so cut the sarky personal comments.
P.S. I drive a Fiat and I LOVE IT so there! :)”
by jane, beverley
Thursday, November 26 2009, 1:00PM
“And BMW??....bloody male w*nker”
by john, hull
Thursday, November 26 2009, 12:56PM
“and for ford.......f*cked or repaired daily”