This is irrefutable proof that good things come in small packages. To be more precise, it's a small three-wheeled package with the engine removed from one of the strangest and most controversial British car manufacturers.
Photo: Channel 4 (composite) via YouTube/Dabble
this is “The ultimate weekend RV” Robin Reliant has been transformed into a DIY camper. This alone is probably the strangest phrase you'll hear today, but the story behind it is even stranger, and arguably even more endearing thanks to the builders' sense of humor and enthusiasm.
This is the story of Bob, a self-proclaimed car enthusiast and occasional camper in his early 70s. Bob once became a reality star thanks to his transformation into Robin Reliant (whom he used to call Rodney).This build was featured on a popular British show George Clark's wonderful spacein its debut episode of season 9 in the summer of 2020.
After all these years, this car is still one of the most interesting and endearing models of weekend recreational vehicles, and it also has some features. George claims this is the “ultimate” weekend RV, but this part is probably best taken with humor, as Bob meant to say.
Photo: Channel 4
The Robin Reliant is the least likely option to convert into a campervan. It's also the least likely option for a daily driver, especially if you value personal safety and mental well-being. But the fact remains that among the British it is a classic. It may be a terrible classic due to stability issues, safety concerns, and underwhelming performance, but it's still a classic. Call it a quirky classic and leave it at that.
Reliant gained international notoriety through one particular appearance. top gear In series 15, one such tricycle was actually featured on the show at least three times.
On each of these occasions, the car was intentionally made to flip over, constantly spawning memes and jokes about its comically poor stability on the road. In reality, the vehicle had been modified so that Robin, played by Jeremy Clarkson in the famous episode, was weighted on one side to make it more easily tip over.
Photo: Channel 4 via YouTube/Dabble
That's not to say that a Reliant, be it the Robin or any other model, is a decent daily driver by today's standards. But that means that at least some of its bad reputation is a result of its desire for comedic relief.
With Robin and its three variants, Reliant makes the second most popular fiberglass car of all time, even if only for a few years, and holds the title of Britain's second largest manufacturer.
A Mk1 from 1973, this Robin Reliant can no longer hope to relive its past glories, but will forever go down in history as one of the most unusual motorhomes. Bob removed the engine, but if it had remained, it would have been a 750 cc engine (Reliant only introduced his more powerful 850 cc two years later). Bob also stripped out the interior and transformed the entire vehicle into a towable vehicle with all the comforts of home. Well, in a way.
Photo: Channel 4 via YouTube/Dabble
He intended this as an homage to Del Boy's Reliant. just fools and horses, a popular British program. Del Boy actually drove his 1967 Reliant Regal Supervan III, painted a very distinct yellow, but Bob made no attempt to clone it. he painted it red “Globetrotters Independent Touring Company” Sticker on the side. That's a tribute to IYKYK (“If you know, you know.”) kind.
When the rear end opens, a “galley” is revealed. It's a portable stove that comes out from under a plastic organizer and a small metal bowl that doubles as a sink. George was thoroughly amused by this whole setup, and so was Bob.
There was also a shower in the rear. This consisted of a solar portable shower with a rod system holding the curtains that had to be assembled on site, but was probably never assembled after the episode's production. The system didn't work then, but Bob coped with it just fine.
Photo: Channel 4 via YouTube/Dabble
Inside was a bedroom, large enough for a small man like Bob to lie down. He still has to put his head under the dashboard to do so, so make sure the dashboard is properly padded in case he wakes up in the middle of the night and forgets where he is and tries to get up in a hurry. I decided to include it.
After all, no one can understand the concept of living on the road, let alone experience it as a weekend warrior.
However, this project was good in its original sense. I was able to temporarily lighten up an otherwise serious program and convert it on a budget (less than £700/$900 including car costs at current exchange rates). For Bob, he explained, it was a better solution than a tent. “It's small, damp, and cold.” He was tired of sleeping in a tent at local car meets, so this was an obvious upgrade.
For all the obvious flaws, Bob's response is probably the best. “Well, it's a unique vehicle, isn't it, Init?” That's certainly true.
