The intention was for Reliant to create an affordable option to the more established production cars like MG Midgets, MGB and Triumph TR range.

 

Production began in 1984 with two versions, the SS1 1300 and SS1 1600 both fitted with Ford CVH engine (Sierra, Orion, Escort etc) together with Ford gearbox and final drive units.

 

The concept was developed to create a car that was not to rely entirely on its own in-house production for components enabling the car to have a long life and a ready supply of parts far into the future, hence the use of established and proven parts from more than one source. Development time was also reduced by using established components.

 

The car was designed with fully detachable body panels enabling it to be dismantled down to a ‘space frame’ chassis structure that would provide all the strength and stability for the car. (This was also one of the reasons the car failed to survive, ‘the trade’ did not like this feature as the many joints and closures were always going to be visible)

 

So why an SS1? What’s the appeal?