A Reliant Regal Supervan III used in the first two series of Only Fools and Horses is set to go under the hammer, with an estimated price of up to £40,000. The iconic yellow three-wheeled van, bearing the 'Trotters Independent Trading Co' logo, was one of several Reliants used in the show, but this particular 1969 vehicle, registration APL 911H, is the only one that appeared in every one of the 13 episodes broadcast between 1981 and 1982.
Historic Vehicle with a Unique Pedigree
The Reliant Motor Club has confirmed that this van was used by Del Boy and Rodney in the show's very first episode, 'Big Brother'. The vehicle was acquired by its current owner earlier this year, having previously been part of a private collection and undergone what the auction house Iconic Auctioneers describes as 'light restoration'.
Mechanical updates to the Reliant include a new battery, new brake cylinders, and an overhaul of the fuel system, ensuring the vehicle is in good working order for its next owner.
Auction Details and Memorabilia
The van will be auctioned in Birmingham alongside a collection of Only Fools and Horses memorabilia, including a novelty cheque for £6.2 million made payable to D Trotter and R Trotter. The auction is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at the Iconic Auctioneers' Classic Sale, part of the NEC Classic Motor Show.
Gary Dunne, sales manager at Iconic Auctioneers, highlighted the vehicle's appeal: "This Reliant is a good reminder that significance is not always measured in performance or panache. There can't be many vehicles that are as instantly recognisable as this APL 911H. Its connection to the very earliest years of Only Fools and Horses makes it particularly special, and for the right fan, you might even say: lovely jubbly."
Expected Price and Fan Appeal
The auction house estimates that the Reliant Regal Supervan III will fetch between £30,000 and £40,000. The vehicle's unique status as the only one used across all episodes of the first two series, combined with its appearance in the show's debut episode, is expected to attract significant interest from collectors and fans of the classic British sitcom.
The sale represents a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to own a piece of television history, with the van's distinctive yellow paintwork and Trotters branding making it instantly recognisable to audiences worldwide.
