Original Only Fools and Horses Reliant Regal up for auction at £30,000 to £40,000
One of the original Reliant Regal Supervan 3s used in the first two series of Only Fools and Horses is up for auction, with an estimate of £30,000 to £40,000.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
An original Reliant Regal Supervan 3 used in Only Fools and Horses is up for auction, with an estimate of £30,000 to £40,000.
The yellow three-wheeler was used in 13 episodes across the first two series, according to the auction team. It is the only one originally assigned the first number plate used in the show, and it appears in some of the most iconic episodes, including the chandelier scene. Fans often call the model a Reliant Robin, but the correct name is Reliant Regal Supervan 3.
The van has been restored to its on-screen look. It has leopard-print seats, door cards and steering wheel, yellow sign writing and a replica of the Harrison watch that made 6.2 million pounds in the final episode. It also has small props and touches intended for fans of the Trotters.
The vehicle has driven 80,000 miles and has a theoretical top speed of 55mph. It spent 25 years in a barn before it was bought and restored. When new, it would have cost about £500. At auction, there is no reserve and the estimate is £30,000 to £40,000. A test drive drew attention on the road, and one fan asked where Del Boy was. The sale, if it reaches the estimate, would be a return Del Boy would approve of.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, grouped by how many channels reported each one. Select a dot to see the source excerpt.
| Claim |  |
|---|---|
| Only on one channel | |
| The car is listed with no reserve and an estimated sale price of 30,000 to 40,000 pounds. | |
| The car is reported to be the only original vehicle assigned the first number plate used in the show. | |
| The Only Fools and Horses car appeared in 13 episodes during the first two series. | |
| The van is a Reliant Regal Supervan 3 rather than a Reliant Robin. | |
| The van spent 25 years in a barn before being bought and restored. | Reported by ITV |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The lunchtime report treated the auction as a light closing item, using an auction specialist to explain the van's provenance. It focused on the exact model name, the first-series number plate and the van's appearance in the chandelier episode. It also gave the no-reserve status and the £30,000 to £40,000 estimate.
- “This one's the only one that was originally assigned as the first number plate used in the show in some of the most iconic episodes.”
- “No, it's a Reliant Regal Supervan 3 is the technical term for it.”
- “And there's no reserve on this when it does go to auction, but it's estimated between 30 and 40,000 pounds.”
The evening bulletin framed the van as a piece of TV history and used a test drive to set the scene. It highlighted the restoration details, the 80,000 miles and the 25 years spent in a barn, before ending on the expected auction price and a Del Boy-style line.
- “The Trotter's three-wheeler is as much a classic as the comedy itself.”
- “That van spent 25 years in a barn before it was bought and restored with touches the Trotters would appreciate.”
- “It would have cost £500 new. Auctioneers estimate this one will sell for a lovely jubbly £30,000 to £40,000.”
Broadcast Timeline
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