17th Mar, 2024 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle March 2024 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1976 Reliant Kitten DL
***NO RESERVE*** The subject of a comprehensive mechanical and aesthetic restoration
Registration - TLJ 293R
Chassis No. - 6D6 14102854
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 25,438
Reliant’s small four-wheeler is popular with custom car fans, and ‘TLJ 293R’ has clearly been a very enjoyable project for one such enthusiast. Cosmetically it has benefited from a full windows-out, doors-off respray in blue, new mirrors and front window seals and new front indicator units. It also sports a new, jaunty, custom-made Paisley velvet headliner which sets off the black interior nicely and is an absolute homage to the 1970s. The 850cc engine has been fully rebuilt – according to the current owner ‘everything’ is new, ‘including nuts and bolts.’ ‘TLJ 293R’ now boasts a large Weber 34 ICT carburettor, new alternator, radiator, starter motor, clutch and upgraded roller clutch release bearing and new brake shoes all round. It also has a Rebels Racing customised exhaust intake manifold and customised four-branch large bore outlet manifold as well as a full bespoke stainless steel exhaust pipe. Finally, the Kitten which now has rather sharper claws than when it rolled off the Tamworth production line, has had a full performance tuning on a rolling road. This eye-catching little car is offered at No Reserve and should reward its new keeper with a tremendous amount of fun.
Launched in 1975 and produced in the UK until 1982, the Kitten was Reliant’s second try at entering the small economy car market, following on from the Reliant Rebel of the 1960s. Based on the Reliant Robin – albeit with a fourth wheel, double wishbone front suspension and a more forward-positioned, 850cc engine – the Ogle-styled Kitten was offered in saloon, estate and van variants. When it was first unveiled the feedback was that the Kitten was essentially just a four-wheeled Robin, so a speedy redesign of the front end was commissioned, utilising the square headlamps already seen on the Austin Allegro. The deluxe DL model, introduced in 1976, had a particular claim to fame – it was the first small car in the UK to come with a rear wiper as standard.
In summary:
- An eye-catching example, performance tuned on a rolling road and offered at No Reserve
- Rebuilt engine with Weber 34 ICT carburettor
- New Rebels racing customised exhaust system
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £2,362
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - TLJ 293R
Chassis No. - 6D6 14102854
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 25,438
Reliant’s small four-wheeler is popular with custom car fans, and ‘TLJ 293R’ has clearly been a very enjoyable project for one such enthusiast. Cosmetically it has benefited from a full windows-out, doors-off respray in blue, new mirrors and front window seals and new front indicator units. It also sports a new, jaunty, custom-made Paisley velvet headliner which sets off the black interior nicely and is an absolute homage to the 1970s. The 850cc engine has been fully rebuilt – according to the current owner ‘everything’ is new, ‘including nuts and bolts.’ ‘TLJ 293R’ now boasts a large Weber 34 ICT carburettor, new alternator, radiator, starter motor, clutch and upgraded roller clutch release bearing and new brake shoes all round. It also has a Rebels Racing customised exhaust intake manifold and customised four-branch large bore outlet manifold as well as a full bespoke stainless steel exhaust pipe. Finally, the Kitten which now has rather sharper claws than when it rolled off the Tamworth production line, has had a full performance tuning on a rolling road. This eye-catching little car is offered at No Reserve and should reward its new keeper with a tremendous amount of fun.
Launched in 1975 and produced in the UK until 1982, the Kitten was Reliant’s second try at entering the small economy car market, following on from the Reliant Rebel of the 1960s. Based on the Reliant Robin – albeit with a fourth wheel, double wishbone front suspension and a more forward-positioned, 850cc engine – the Ogle-styled Kitten was offered in saloon, estate and van variants. When it was first unveiled the feedback was that the Kitten was essentially just a four-wheeled Robin, so a speedy redesign of the front end was commissioned, utilising the square headlamps already seen on the Austin Allegro. The deluxe DL model, introduced in 1976, had a particular claim to fame – it was the first small car in the UK to come with a rear wiper as standard.
In summary:
- An eye-catching example, performance tuned on a rolling road and offered at No Reserve
- Rebuilt engine with Weber 34 ICT carburettor
- New Rebels racing customised exhaust system
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: The Bolesworth Castle March 2024 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 17th Mar, 2024
Our March auction of classic and performance cars
Viewing Days:
Saturday 16th March,12 noon - 6pm
Sunday 17th March, 9am - 12 noon
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
