Reliant Kitten
Launched at the October 1975 Earls Court Motor Show, the Reliant Kitten was Tamworth's ambitious attempt to produce a lightweight, four-wheeled economy car using the running gear of the Robin. Known internally as project FW10 and styled by Ogle Design, the Kitten shared its doors and rear panels with the Robin but sat on a bespoke four-wheel steel chassis featuring double-wishbone front suspension, an anti-roll bar, and rack-and-pinion steering that delivered a tiny 24-foot turning circle. Powered by the 848cc all-aluminium engine producing 40 bhp, the Kitten achieved up to 60 mpg and an 80 mph top speed. Available in saloon, estate, and van body styles, an upgraded Kitten DL arrived in 1976 with Scimitar-style door cards and improved suspension damping. Over 4,500 were produced before assembly ceased in 1982 (with production tooling subsequently exported to India for the Sipani Dolphin). For UK enthusiasts, the Kitten represents an intriguing alternative to the classic Mini, but buyers must be vigilant regarding chassis outrigger rot, wishbone bush wear, and alloy engine maintenance.
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Common Faults & Reliability
These are the most common documented problems for the Reliant Kitten, sorted by their typical impact and frequency.
Front Chassis Outrigger and Wishbone Mount Corrosion
high severityThe Kitten used an all-new steel chassis engineered specifically for its four-wheeled layout, mounting double wishbones and an anti-roll bar up front. Unlike later Rialtos, Kitten chassis frames were painted rather than galvanised. Road grime and water flung from the front wheels accumulate in the chassis outriggers and lower wishbone pick-up brackets, leading to severe perforation that compromises front suspension alignment.
Aluminium Engine Electrolytic Corrosion and Head Gasket Failure
medium severityThe Kitten's 848cc all-aluminium engine relies on corrosion inhibitors in the coolant to prevent galvanic degradation between the alloy block, iron cylinder liners, and alloy head. When owners topped up with plain tap water, internal waterways corroded rapidly, depositing white scale that blocked the radiator. This thermal imbalance quickly leads to blown head gaskets and warped cylinder head mating faces.
Front Suspension Double Wishbone and Tie-Bar Bush Perishing
medium severityReliant designed a bespoke double-wishbone front suspension with tie-bars and an anti-roll bar for the Kitten to achieve its legendary 24-foot turning circle. The small rubber bushes in the wishbone pivots and tie-bar ends deteriorate from oil leaks and age. Once perished, excessive suspension deflection causes front wheel shimmy, twitchy steering response, and severe MOT failure.
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