Reliant Regal MKIII Convertible- 1957

In 1953, Reliant Engineering Co. brought out their first passenger car–the Regal. Reliant chose this name in recognition of the Coronation of Elizabeth II, also in that year. All models had a very small “bonnet,” intended to allow only a coolant and oil check, while further engine maintenance had to be done by accessing the engine from inside the car. The Regal went through a series of changes, such as wind-down windows and a raised roofline to increase head room for the passengers. The MK III which you see here is a soft-top version made from molded fiberglass mounted on an ash frame. The MKIII was competitive in performance with similarly powered four-wheeled cars yet only required a motorcycle license to drive it.