Reliant did a good job of making the Kitten van sound like an inviting proposition – and then went and ruined it all by including a photograph of it!
After all, 54mpg (according to Commercial Motor), a rustproof body, four wheels, a removable passenger seat and more maneuverability than a London taxi are all great features. Even the top speed of 80mph is acceptable, especially in this day and age when most van operators are fitting speed limiters.
The Kitten (1975 – 1982) never sold well though, a consequence of it being too expensive. Despite this advertisement referring to it as “an economic miracle” – the £1,821.96 price tag said otherwise. You didn’t even have the advantage of motorbike VED like in the three-wheel Robin.