The Reliant Three-Wheeler 1935-1973  [9781908347022]

This small volume, written by two Reliant enthusiasts, gives a good insight into the earlier years of our favourite car maker, from humble beginnings in Tom Williams' garden wor1_shop in 1935 up to 1973 when Reliant were, arguably, enjoying their most successful period. It's profusely illustrated with mainly b&w period photos, together with colour ones of restored vehicles. Some of the photos have appeared in other Reliant histories but quite a few are new to me. The Bug enjoys some five pages of the book with photos including the prototype Bug, double Bug, a modern Lime Green repaint and, I'm guessing here, the Bug of Vic Hyde-White, a musician who toured the USA in one! I'm not sure that the authors' statement that all Bug final assembly took place at Tamworth is 100% correct; speaking to the late Alan Pounder (Bond's Chief Engineer) some years ago I recall him saying that the pre-launch Bugs were all built at Preston.... Possible minor inaccuracies aside, and to be fair I'm sure most historical works contain a few of these, it's still an enjoyable read and a worthy addition to any Reliant/Bug enthusiasts' bookshelf. It would make an ideal stocking filler for Christmas, so get dropping some hints! I look forward to reading volume 2, Reliant 1973 onwards, when it appears. The book cover price is £7.95 and it's available direct from the publishers, good bookshops and the usual online outlets.

Peter Edgley - The Bug Club magazine