Ant

Variations:

Reliant Ant 1967 - 1987

Body Types:

Special Editions:

None

Data:

Until 1967 Reliant had been exporting a Regal type pickup ( which was essentially just a Regal van cab on a chassis with the rear of the chassis being left bare so that it could be built up) to Greece and other Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. overseas. The success of this was such that in 1967 a new pick up type vehicle arrived in the shape of the Reliant Ant (TW9). The Ant was initially designed for overseas use but due to its versatility also found an English market. The vehicle had a one piece fiberglass cab and a range of bodies ranging from a tip up van to a snow plough. It was initially powered by a 700cc alloy engine which was uprated to 748cc in 1973. Whilst the overseas vehicles had a carrying capacity of 10cwt, British models were sold with a 16cwt weight capacity. The Ant continued to be made until 1987 and was also produced under license by the Mebea Company in Greece and BTB Engineering in the UK.

Some different variations of Ants are shown on this page. The Melford Road Sweeper Reliant Ant was fitted with a 748cc Reliant engine for motive power and also a second Reliant 748cc engine was positioned behind the cab to power the cleaning apparatus (brushes etc.). The “Balmoral” was originally used on the Queen's estate at Balmoral and was purchased by Reliant for around £3000. Reliant then completely stripped, refurbished and reregistered the vehicle. It now shows little resemblance to how it was at Balmoral as the original was green and had a high sided rear body.

Thanks to Kerry Croxton for helping with the data on this page

1978 Reliant Ant (Pick Up)

Photograph courtesy of Kerry Croxton

1974 Reliant Ant (Malford Road)

Photograph courtesy of Kerry Croxton

Reliant Ant (Balmoral)

Photograph courtesy of Kerry Croxton

1974 Reliant Ant

Photograph courtesy of Thomas Touw

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