Reliant · 1982–1996

Reliant Rialto

The Reliant Rialto is a three-wheeled car that was manufactured by Reliant Motor Company, replacing the original Mk 1 Reliant Robin in 1982. It featured a much squarer aerodynamic body, servicing panels, a single large windscreen wiper, a thicker fibreglass body, and altered interior, but the chassis, engine, and a lot of large components were carried over from the previous model. The improvements gave the Rialto improved high-speed stability as well as improved fuel economy. The Rialto was the first Reliant to be designed by International Automotive Design (IAD UK Ltd), where previous Reliant models were generally conceived by Ogle Design. The Rialto was built in a number of different configurations, including: a saloon, estate, van, hatchback, pick-up, and flatbed. Rialtos also came in a number of different series: the Mk 1 models from 1982 to 1983; the Rialto 2 series from 1983 to 1986; and the Rialto SE from 1987 until 1995 – the estate model was built in tandem with the Robin Mk 2 estate, which was introduced in 1992. The last Rialto model to be built was the 1997 'Giant' pick up. Upon release, the Rialto had a 12-month waiting list in 1982, and was one of Reliant's best-selling models ever, but never gained as much praise as the better-known Robin. In the 1980s the Rialto was Reliant's only 3 wheeler model; production of the Mk 1 Robin ended in 1981, and its successor – the Robin Mk 2 – wouldn't materialise until 1989. Even after the introduction of the new Robin, the Rialto estate was available to order until 1996.

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Predecessor: Reliant Robin

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