I want to make sure the days of the Robin being a joke are over

Les Collier

Mr Collier has already had orders for more than 90 models from Reliant dealers.

He plans to make 250 each year in his factories in Sudbury and Beccles.

The new Robin will cost �9,995 - �2,000 cheaper than its predecessor.

Mr Collier said: "I want to make sure the days of the Robin being a joke are over.

A nice little earner

"It's now going to be a quality car in a niche market."

"Many of the jokes about Robins are simply not fair.

"For instance, the van that Del Boy Trotter drove in Only Fools and Horses was not even a Robin but a Regal."

"We have remodelled the interior, improved the paintwork and are even offering colours that change colour in different lights."

In its heyday in the 1960s over 300 of the fibre-glass vehicles were produced every week and Reliant Motors in Staffordshire was once the second largest all-British car maker.

But production of the car was stopped when sales slumped to just 10 a week.

The car was originally built from aluminium, but became the first mass-production vehicle with a fibreglass body in the 1950s.

Reliant Motors ceased production after poor sales

The 850cc-engined cars can be driven using a motorbike licence.

Mr Collier said they had always been value for money.

"They can do 90 miles an hour, 80 miles to the gallon yet still carry four adults and their luggage.

Mr Collier's firm had mainly produced parts for caravans when he became one of a number of firms bidding for the rights.

"I am a small operator without major overheads but I am certain it will be a success.

"People have laughed at three-wheelers but I am determined to have the last laugh.