Rebel without a premium

A classic with Mini-sized chic at a knockdown price

CAR 1973 Reliant Rebel SOLD £2544 ORIGINAL ESTIMATE £2500-3000, Anglia Car Auctions, 22/23 August

It’s off most buyers’ radar, which held back interest.

It’s highly likely a 1973 Reliant Rebel wouldn’t be at the top of most people’s lists of ‘must-haves’ – chances are, if you’re a would-be classic owner looking for something for something diminutive from this era, then you’re more likely to be perusing the listings for Minis, Hillman Imps and Fiat 500s. There’s always going to be an element of competition for them, but with this Rebel there are fewer potential owners, which helps to keep prices in check.

The hard work – and big expenses had already been taken care of.

It had received a body-off restoration at some stage, and it still looked pretty nifty. The bonnet, doors and bootlid aligned well, the paint was bright and cheerful and the white steel wheels with ‘dog dish’ hubcaps completed the look. The interior was a lesson in well-presented simplicity: black vinyl seats were in good order and without rips or tears, the door cards were in the same level of order and the dashboard was as good. Some might have lodged an objection about the later, chunky steering wheel but that was something that could be replaced if the new owner wished.

The upgrades were smartly chosen, too.

Some sensibly-chosen tweaks actually help to make a classic better value, and this was certainly the case here. The brakes had been fitted with a servo and an SU carburetor upgrade would surely help this Rebel hustle along with a grin-inducing vivacity. Adjustable front shock absorbers were a sensible touch, a stainless steel exhaust meant it sounded good and an upgraded radiator helped with the cooling duties – another good touch seeing as a towbar had been fitted. A new wiring loom had been installed, too.

Daring to be different meant that the buyer got a great deal.

Absolutely. This Rebel was one of the more unusual offerings at ACA’s late August two-day, online-only classic car auction, and proof once again you can buy something that’s usable, unusual and fun. With much work done, the punter who dared to be different picked up quite a lot of tax-exempt fun for not a lot of money – and rewardingly so. Definitely well bought.