Reliant Kitten

Infobox Automobile


name =Reliant Kitten
manufacturer =Reliant
production =1975-1982
4074 made
class =
body_style =2-door saloon
2-door estate car
predecessor =Reliant Rebel
successor =Reliant Fox
length =
width =
wheelbase =
engine =848 cc Straight-4
designer =OgleThe Reliant Kitten is a small economy car which was manufactured from 1975 to 1982 by the Reliant Motor Company in Tamworth, England. It has a glass fibre body and an 848 cc aluminum engine, providing economical performance. Chassis, engine, and running gear are shared (with minor modifications), with the Reliant Fox Utility / Pick-Up.

The rear section of the chassis is essentially the same as the Reliant Robin or Rialto, however from the middle onwards it is all change, with the engine moving forwards to where the Robin's front wheel is, and then Reliant's own, (but Triumph inspired) designed and manufactured double wishbone suspension either side. Moving the engine forward when compared with the three wheeled cars, made a lot more room inside for the driver and front passenger.

Unfortunately in 1982 the Kitten was axed due to not being able to compete with the prices of Minis and the like due to its hand made fibre glass shell. The corrosion of monocoque steel bodied competitors which had been such a problem in the 1970s, (and so a strong selling point of the GRP Kitten), was coming under control with advances in rustproofing. Also, the Kitten's FR layout was being abandoned in mass market cars at this time in favour of front wheel drive with end on gearboxes. Because it had four wheels it did not have the lower UK road tax rating of the three wheel Robin.

A 'Preservation Society' exists called the Reliant Kitten Register.

External links

* [http://www.reliantkitten.co.uk/ Reliant Kitten Online]